SANGHA ADMINISTRATION FORM OF THE SANGHA IN LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research was aimed to study the administration of the Thai Sangha, the administration of the Sangha in Loei Province, integrate a model for the administration of the Sangha in Loei Province, and present the knowledge base derived from this integration. The research was qualitative. The key informants included 21 members of the Sangha and Buddhist experts, purposively selected. The tool used for data collection was the in-depth interview, and the data were analyzed descriptively. The research revealed that the administration of the Thai Sangha became clearly structured during the Sukhothai period, with the highest position being the Supreme Patriarch. Later, during the reign of King Rama V, the Sangha Act of 1902 was enacted and continuously developed until the reign of King Rama X, when the Sangha Act of 1962 and its amendments were improved. This aligned the Sangha's administrative structure with the governmental system while preserving the unique identity of Buddhism and adapting to modern times. The administration of the Sangha in Loei Province was guided by a set of practices designed to ensure its efficiency under the Dharma-Vinaya, laws, regulations, and orders from the Sangha Supreme Council. This resulted in the systematic and continuous development of the Sangha's affairs. The integration of a model for the administration of the Sangha in Loei Province with Buddhist principles involved three key tenets: 1) The principle of participation, which provided an opportunity for all sectors to play a role and be systematically connected; 2) The principle of Dharma-Vinaya, which served as the foundation for Sangha governance, reinforcing virtues, solving problems, and aligning with contemporary society; and 3) The principle of holistic development, which integrated all aspects for the sustainability of Buddhism and the role of the Sangha in society. The knowledge base derived from this study was the PPH Model, which was developed to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness in Sangha administration.