Political Participation of the People of Ban Samet, Nok Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the level of political participation of the people of Ban Samet, Nok Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province, 2) compare opinions on political participation of the people of Ban Samet, Nok Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province by classifying personal factors, and 3) propose guidelines for developing political participation of the people of Ban Samet, Nok Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province. This research is a quantitative research using a sample group of the people of Ban Samet using a multi-stage random sampling method based on Taro Yamane's formula, resulting in a sample of 220 people. Data were collected using both closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires with a questionnaire reliability of 0.936. The statistics used for data analysis include frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypothesis testing was performed using t-test, f-test, and one-way analysis of variance. In cases where differences were found to be statistically significant at the 0.05 level, the differences were analyzed using the least significant method. The research found that 1) The people in the community have opinions on the level of political participation of the people of Ban Samet, Nok Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province, overall at a high level. When considering each aspect, it was found that the level of public opinion on political participation of the people of Ban Samet in terms of voting rights The highest level is the aspect with a high average value. Next is political interest with a high average value. Political participation in the election, political news awareness, and finally political opinion expression. 2) The results of the comparison of political participation opinions of the people of Ban Samet, Nok Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province, classified by personal factors, gender, age, education level, occupation, and average monthly income, found that people with different genders, occupations, and average monthly incomes had different levels of political participation of the people of Ban Samet. Overall, there was no difference. Therefore, the hypothesis was rejected. People with different ages and education levels had different levels of political participation of the people of Ban Samet. Overall, there was a statistical significance at the 0.05 level. Therefore, the hypothesis was accepted. 3) The political participation of the people of Ban Samet, Nok Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province, found that 3.1) In terms of political interest, Ban Samet people were less interested in politics because most people in the community were working-age. Therefore, they were more interested in their careers than in politics. Therefore, the people wanted interesting media to be produced to attract more people to be interested in politics. 3.2) In terms of political expression, Ban Samet people expressed diverse opinions. There are both agreements and conflicts because each person has different beliefs, attitudes, and cultures. Expressing opinions allows people to know the opinions of others and exchange opinions among each other, allowing everyone to express their opinions. 3.3) In terms of voting rights, Ban Samet people adhere to the democratic system of government because it gives people an opportunity to exercise their right to express themselves. In particular, voting is a method that allows people to participate in politics and governance according to democratic principles. It is considered an expression of the people's will. 3.4) In terms of receiving political news, Ban Samet people want to know about news, especially political news. However, at present, technology media will play a role in increasing the awareness of news by searching for news online because it is convenient, fast, and keeps up with current political events. 3.5) In terms of political participation in elections, Ban Samet people open up opportunities for all people, whether individuals or groups, to participate in any activity in the form of jointly knowing, thinking, and doing things that affect themselves or the community.