THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEVELOPMENT OF SANGHA IN NONG-KWANG SUBDISTRICT, PHOTHARAM DISTRICT, RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the public’s practice towards the development of public welfare work of the Sangha, 2) study the comparative level of practice towards the development of public welfare work of the Sangha classified by personal factors, and 3) study the problems, obstacles, and suggestions for the development of public welfare work of the Sangha. This research is a mixed-method research. In prat of the quantitative research, using a questionnaire with a sample of 364 people. Data were analyzed using research statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, hypothesis testing by t-test, F-test, and one-way analysis of variance. The qualitative research was conducted by interviewing 9 key informants. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The research results found that 1) the public’s practice towards the development of public welfare work of the Sangha in Nong Kwang Subdistrict, Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province, overall, was at a moderate level. When considering each aspect, there were opinions at a moderate level in 3 aspects: material and equipment development, management development, and personnel development, and the aspect with a low level of opinion was budget development. 2) The result of comparing opinions on the development of public welfare work of the Sangha in Nong Kwang Sub-district, Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province, classified by personal factors found that gender and age, affected people's opinions on the development of public welfare work of the Sangha, overall, there was a significant difference at the statistical level of 0.01. Therefore, the research hypothesis was accepted. As for education, occupation, and income affected people's opinions on the development of public welfare work of the Sangha, overall, there was no difference. Therefore, the research hypothesis was rejected. 3) Problems, obstacles, and suggestions for developing public welfare work of the Sangha (1) Problems, obstacles, included lacking of good relationships in communicating and coordinating with government agencies in creating unity in the community (BWOR) and lacking readiness of efficient supporting personnel. (2) Suggestions There should be development and readiness to cover all aspects, especially personnel who have knowledge and understanding to perform duties or coordinate with government agencies in creating unity in the community (BWOR), homes, temples, schools, private sectors, along with work management that emphasizes the participation process of all sectors and those involved in public welfare work. The Sangha should also campaign for all relevant sectors to see the value and giving greater importance to community public welfare work.