The Role of Local Authorities in Preventing and Addressing Drug Problems in Maha Phot Subdistrict, Kao Liao District, Nakhon Sawan Province, according to the Four Right Efforts (Sammappadhana) Principles

Abstract

This research article aimed to: (1) examine the role of local administrators in preventing and solving drug problems in Maha Pho Subdistrict, Kao Liao District, Nakhon Sawan Province; (2) investigate the relationship between the Four Right Efforts (Sammappadhāna) and the roles of local administrators in drug prevention and problem-solving; and (3) propose guidelines for enhancing the roles of local administrators in addressing drug problems based on the principles of the Four Right Efforts. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The quantitative component involved a sample of 365 participants aged 18 years and above, selected using Taro Yamane’s formula from a total population of 4,110 residents in Maha Pho Subdistrict. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of .989. Statistical analyses included percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The qualitative component consisted of in-depth interviews with 21 key informants, selected purposively, and analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The findings revealed that: (1) the overall role of local administrators in drug prevention and problem-solving based on the Four Right Efforts was at a high level ( = 4.11, S.D. = 0.69), and according to Barlow’s role theory, the overall level was also high ( = 4.12, S.D. = 0.69); (2) there was a very high correlation between the Four Right Efforts and the roles of local administrators in preventing and solving drug problems, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of .903**; and (3) guidelines for enhancing the roles of local administrators include: (1) providing governmental budget support, (2) equipping local leaders with protective gear or tools to ensure their safety during operations, (3) implementing strict nationwide drug suppression policies to prevent the spread of drug problems into local communities, and (4) establishing community rules collectively for drug prevention and control. These findings provide practical insights for strengthening community-based drug prevention strategies aligned with Buddhist principles.