Participation of Local Politicians in Solving the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Situation in Mueang Chaiyaphum District

Abstract

This research has the following objectives: 1. to study the level of participation of the local politicians in resolving the situation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Mueang Chaiyaphum District, 2. to compare the participation of the local politicians in resolving the situation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Mueang Chaiyaphum District by categorizing by personal factors, and 3. to present the promotion of participation of the local politicians in solving the situation of Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19) in Mueang Chaiyaphum District by applying the principles of Seven Aparihaniyadhamma. The research methodology was a combined method.  The qualitative research collected data from 9 key informants by in-depth interviews and the quantitative research collected data by questionnaires from a sample of 398 people out of 137,4000 people aged 18 years and over living in Mueang Chaiyaphum District. The tools used were questionnaires and interview formats. Data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, hypothesis testing by t-test and F-test and data analysis through descriptive interpretation.

Findings of the research were as follows:

1. The level of participation of the local politicians in resolving the situation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Mueang Chaiyaphum District overall was at a high level (𝑥̅ = 4.05). When classified by factors  the mean in descending order was as follows: working inspection and news tracking (𝑥̅ = 4.05)  administration (𝑥̅ = 4.04)  policy making (𝑥̅ = 4.04) respectively.

2. The results of comparison of the public opinions on the participation of the local politicians in resolving the situation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Mueang Chaiyaphum District  classified  by personal factors indicated that the people with different sex and age  had no different opinions on the participation of the local politicians in resolving the situation of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Mueang Chaiyaphum District, therefore, the research hypothesis was rejected. As for the people with different levels of education, occupation and income, their opinions on the participation of the local politicians in resolving the situation of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Mueang Chaiyaphum District were different with statistical significance at the 0.05 level, therefore the research hypothesis was accepted.

3. The presentation of participation of the local politicians in resolving the situation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Mueang Chaiyaphum District by applying the principles of Aparihaniya Dhamma found that for meeting: The local politicians regularly attended meeting, they recognized the importance of meetings to bring about success and make efficient working. For cooperating in meeting:  The local politicians were always present and punctual for the meetings, and they regularly participated in various activities. For enacting or eliminating regulations: The local politicians realized the importance of this matter and encouraged people to follow the preventing measures of Covid-19. For chief respect and obedience: The local politicians obeyed and followed the leaders’ orders willingly, persistently and obediently and practiced according to the state policy. For woman honoring and protection: The local politicians gave women honour, equality, no oppression, no mistreat, protection and opportunities to participate in working. For worship and profession: The local politicians participated in cleaning temples as well as conserving good ancient tradition and culture by setting various activities on the Buddhist important days during the Covid-19 situation. For virtuous protection and defense of monks:   The local politicians participated in helping monks, cooperated, took care of the Covid-19 infected monks and prevented monks from the Covid-19.