The political awakening of the people in Mueang Sakon Nakhon District, Sakon Nakhon Province: Case Study of the 2023 House of Representatives Election

Abstract

This research is to examine The political awakening of the people in Mueang Sakon Nakhon District, Sakon Nakhon Province: Case Study of the 2023 House of Representatives Election. A mixed-methods research technique was employed to examine both political knowledge and participation behavior. The sample group included 400 people of Mueang Sakon Nakhon District, as determined by the Krejcie & Morgan formula, as well as 20 key informants, including national and local politicians, local authorities, political and electoral specialists, political leaders and activists, and registered voters. The study found that respondents had a high level of opinion regarding The political awakening of the people in Mueang Sakon Nakhon District, Sakon Nakhon Province: Case Study of the 2023 House of Representatives Election. The level of political knowledge and understanding was high ( = 4.05, S.D. = .869), with the right to participate in politics being the highest ( = 4.24, S.D. = .953), followed by the right to receive information ( = 4.21, S.D. = .894), and lastly, the right to demand and fight for their own rights ( = 3.85, S.D. = .793). In terms of political participation behavior, respondents had an overall high level of opinion ( = 3.50, S.D. = .765), with the highest level being the exercise of voting rights ( = 4.52, S.D. = .739). Next is the initiation of political discussions ( = 4.20, S.D. = .727), and the participation in political movements is at the lowest level ( = 2.04, S.D. = .636). The residents of Sakon Nakhon Muang district have a high level of political knowledge and understanding, especially regarding their rights to political participation, access to information, and the right to demand. Additionally, political participation behaviors, such as voting and discussing political issues, show that the public is highly engaged, reflecting an increased political awareness in the area. This research indicates that access to accurate information and awareness of one's rights are key factors that promote effective political participation.