Abstract:
This study aimed : (1) to investigate the level of public participation in religious and cultural affairs in Sribuaban Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Lamphun Province; (2) to examine the relationship between the Aparihāniyadhamma principles and public participation in religious and cultural affairs in the same area; and (3) to propose the application of the Aparihāniyadhamma principles to promote public participation in religious and cultural affairs in Sribuaban Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang Lamphun District, Lamphun Province. This research employed a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative data were collected through questionnaires from a sample of 380 respondents, consisting of citizens aged 18 years and above who were eligible voters within the Sribuaban Subdistrict Municipality. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Pearsons correlation coefficient was used to test the research hypothesis. The qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 key informants and analyzed using content analysis, with results presented through descriptive interpretation and direct quotations. The findings revealed that :
1. The overall level of public participation in religious and cultural affairs was at a moderate level (x̄ = 3.49, S.D. = 0.86). When considered by aspects, participation in information provision was at a high level, followed by cooperation, involvement, empowerment, and consultation, all of which were at a moderate level, respectively.
2. The relationship between the Seven Aparihāniyadhammaprinciples and public participation in religious and cultural affairs was found to be a relatively high positive correlation (R = 0.745**) with statistical significance at the 0.05 level; therefore, the research hypothesis was accepted.
3. The guidelines for promoting public participation in religious and cultural affairs indicated that : (1) regular meetings supported unity and effective operation through continuous public engagement; (2) collective participation in meetings and decision-making required readiness among leaders, along with the use of technology and discipline in collaborative work; (3) adherence to established principles while adapting traditions to modern contexts should be achieved through community resolutions and formal regulations; (4) respect for elders promoted the transfer of local wisdom to younger generations through community activities; (5) non-oppression of women emphasized gender equality and encouraged women and youth to take active roles in decision-making and implementation; (6) respect for sacred monuments relied on community cooperation networks and the use of technology to preserve knowledge and motivate participation; and (7) the provision of proper protection fostered health and safety mechanisms through community faith and appropriate regulations.