DEVELOPMENT OF A MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR TEMPLE-BASED TEMPORARY SHELTERS TO ADDRESS PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES DURING THE 2019 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) PANDEMIC IN BANGKOK

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) Study the management system of temple-based community isolation centers, 2) Develop an effective management system for these centers, and 3) Propose a model of temple-based management for responding to public health emergencies caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in Bangkok. The study employed qualitative research methodology and participatory action research (PAR). Data were collected from five temple-based isolation centers in Bangkok, selected based on readiness criteria set by the Department of Health. A total of 22 key informants participated, including 16 in-depth interviewees and 6 focus group participants, representing three levels: policy, administration, and operations. Informants included monks responsible for the centers, medical personnel, nursing experts, volunteer workers, and community members who received care in the temple-based system. The findings reveal that the management system of temple-based isolation centers reflects a collaborative effort among the state, religious institutions, and civil society to care for patients and efficiently control the spread of COVID-19. These centers utilized local resources under the principles of compassion and volunteerism. Their administrative structure was transparent, with clearly defined operational levels. Temples transitioned from being solely spiritual centers to becoming "core mechanisms" in crisis management. Buddhist principles such as the Four Iddhipada (Bases of Success), the Four Sangahavatthu (Principles of Social Integration), and the Seven Aparihaniyadhamma (Conditions of Welfare) were integrated with modern emergency management concepts. The three-tier model facilitated rapid policy dissemination, clarified roles and responsibilities, promoted unity, and enabled a systematic crisis response. This model demonstrates strong potential for managing community-level emergencies and could be further adapted for future applications.