The Participation of People in Community Development According to Sārāṇīyādhamma of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province

Abstract

The objectives of this study were 1) to study the level of the participation of people in community development according to Sārāṇīyādhamma of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province, 2) to compare the level of public participation in the Sārāṇīyādhamma-based community development of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province, in regard to personal factors of the participants, 3) to study the problems, obstacles and suggestions of the public participation in Sārāṇīyādhamma-based community development of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province, and 4) to study the guidelines for improving public participation in Sārāṇīyādhamma-based community development of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province.

This research was mixed-method research (combined quantitative and qualitative research). Quantitative data were collected through the questionnaire. The sample consisted of 382 local people within the area of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality. Data were analyzed by statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation to describe personal characteristics or independent variables. Hypothesis testing was conducted by using t-test and F-test analysis, ANOVA (one-way ANOVA). A pair of means was compared by using Least Significant Difference (LSD).

In part of qualitative research, 7 informants were identified and purposively selected from a panel of experts whose qualifications meet the content of the research. The research instruments included structured in-depth interview and face-to-face in-depth interview. Data were analyzed through descriptive interpretation.

The results of this research showed that:

1. 
   

   Overall, the sample had a high level of public participation in the Sārāṇīyādhamma-based community development of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province (X = 3.72, S.D. = 0.098). By considering each aspect, Sila-samannata had the highest mean score (X = 4.72, S.D. = 0.229). It was followed by Ditthi-samannata (X = 4.11, S.D. = 0.251), Metta-manokamma (X = 4.05, S.D. = 0.167), Metta-kayakamma (X = 3.73, S.D. = 0.191), and Metta-vacikamma (X = 3.26, S.D. = 0.215). Sadharana-bhogi had the lowest mean score (X = 2.44, S.D. = 0.307).

   
   


2. 
   

   With hypothesis testing, the comparison of the sample’s public participation in the Sārāṇīyādhamma-based community development of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province, classified by personal factors showed as follows. The sample with differences in gender, occupation, education level, and monthly income had no difference in the level of public participation in the Sārāṇīyādhamma-based community development of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality. The sample with differences in age had different levels of public participation with statistical significance at the level of 0.01, thus accepting the hypothesis.

   
   


3. 
   

   Results of studying problems, obstacles and suggestions regarding the public participation in the Sārāṇīyādhamma-based community development of Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality showed that some people lacked participation in the activities relating to community development. Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality should cultivate a spirit of public sacrifice for the common good, listen to the needs of the public and take urgent action. The community development requires equality, proper budgeting, transparency, strictly disciplinary rules and regulations, equality, and no discrimination. Besides, officers should build good attitudes among the public to accept diverse opinions and strengthen unity in the community.

   
   


4. 
   

   The suggestions of this study are that Ban Pho Sub-District Municipality should give the public an opportunity to participate in community development by cultivating public awareness of the benefits of public participation.