Buddhist Communication Methods in Political Communication of Local Politicians in Rungrawi Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Namklieng District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

This research article aims to study (1) the conditions and problems of political communication among local politicians in the Subdistrict Administrative Organization of Rungrawi, and (2) the Buddhist methods of political communication used by local politicians in the same area. This study employs a qualitative research approach, collecting data from 18 key informants divided into four groups: 3 scholars or practitioners in Buddhism, 6 local politicians, 3 scholars or practitioners in political science, and 6 community leaders, using in-depth interviews and descriptive content analysis. The findings reveal that 1) the conditions and problems of political communication include: (1) in terms of the sender, local politicians lack sincerity and honesty in their words; (2) regarding the message or information, there is a lack of comprehensive and timely dissemination of information, as well as a lack of information filtering; (3) in terms of channels for delivering messages or information, some citizens are unprepared to receive information in various aspects; and (4) concerning the receiver, some citizens lack reflection on the facts. 2) The Buddhist methods of political communication, according to the four principles of right speech, indicate that local politicians should practice Saccavāca (speaking the truth), Apisunnavāca (speaking without malice), Sannavāca (speaking kindly), and Samappalāpa (refraining from frivolous talk) when communicating with the public to maximize benefits for both the sender and the receiver.