Integrating Sārāṇīya Dhamma to Promote the Roles of Local Administrators in Community Development of Tamnak Tham Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Nong Muang Khai District, Phrae Province

Abstract

This research article aims to (1) study the level of local administrators’ roles in community development; (2) examine the relationship between Sārāṇīya Dhamma and the roles of local administrators in community development; and (3) present the integration of Sārāṇīya Dhamma to promote the roles of local administrators in the community development of Tamnak Tham Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Nong Muang Khai District, Phrae Province. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, comprising (1) quantitative research utilizing a questionnaire with 358 participants, analyzing data through frequency, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient; and (2) qualitative research involving in-depth interviews with 12 key informants, analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that (1) the overall level of local administrators’ roles in community development had a high average; (2) there was a statistically significant positive relationship between the six principles of Sārāṇīya Dhamma and the roles of local administrators in community development; and (3) the integration of Sārāṇīya Dhamma to promote local administrators’ roles in community development indicated that local administrators honored and assisted the community in its development, fostering unity through constructive communication to build strong relationships with community members. Furthermore, they demonstrated a creative mindset in driving community development, allocated resources and benefits equitably and justly, and integrated the perspectives of all stakeholders into the community development process.