ABSTRACT

The three significant objectives of this thesis are 1) to study and analyze the concept of being a citizen, 2) to develop the citizenship indicator, and 3) to analyze the citizenship indicator that conforms to the Buddhist Dharmic principles. The research was conducted by studying the documents and  applying the EDFR technique to develop the citizenship indicator. There were four experts in EDFR research approach to be interviewed in the first round, and twelve of them to express their opinions through the questionnaires in the second and third round. The content analysis approach was  employed to study the documents and the interviews ( first round of EDFR) whereas the analysis of the indicator that conforms to the Buddhist Dharmic principles and analysis of the median and interquartile range were employed for the EDFR research  in the second and third round.

Citizenship in the western world means to comply with the laws, to use the right to vote, to participate the political activities or governmental affairs in various approaches, and to be democratic. In the eastern world, citizenship emphasizes on complying with moral principles and ethics and practicing his/her own assigned duties and responsibilities at his/her best. Citizenship, as having been acknowledged in Thai society, have been changing in every era. Presently, citizenship emphasizes on public responsibility under the democratic system and having rights, freedom, and equality.

The result of the  citizenship indicator development by applying the EDFR research technique shows that there are three elements and totally thirty  indicators, namely , 1) capability of the citizen, 2) social participation, and 3) rights, freedom, and equality. The indicator contained the median between 4.00-5.00 and interquartile range between 0.75-1.00. Thus, such indicator could be employed  as it   passed the median standard at 3.50 and over, and the interquartile range, not exceed 1.50.

The citizenship indicator conforms to the Buddhism dharmic principles in the following aspects: 1) the indicator for  capability of the citizen conforms to Nathakarana-dhammas (virtues which make for protection) and Aparihaniyadhammas (things leading never to decline but only to prosperity; conditions of welfare),  2) the indicator for social participation conforms to Sangahavatthudhammas ( bases of social solidarity; bases of sympathy; act of doing favors; principles of service; virtues making for group integration and leadership), Saraniyadhammas (states of conciliation; virtues for fraternal living), and Bramaviharadhammas (Divine States (of mind); the four noble sentiments; the Highest Conduct; the sublime states of mind), and 3) the indicator for rights, freedom and equality conforms to 3 adhipateyyas (Supremacy or Sovereignty) 3) and                  7 Sappurisadhammas (virtue of the righteous; (the seven) qualities of a good man).   The indicators can be applied to use in the society through analyzing the society model.