Legal Pluralism and the Regulatory Framework of Religious Property in Thailand: A Comparative Analysis of Buddhist Monastic Land and Islamic Waqf
Keywords:
Legal pluralism, Waqf, Monastic land, Religious propertyAbstract
Purpose: This article aims to critically examine the legal status and management of Waqf property within the context of Thailand's pluralistic legal system, with particular attention to its scholarly significance and to ongoing debates concerning its interpretation and application compared to the robust state protections of Buddhist monastic land.
Analytical Approach: The discussion is grounded in a critical review of relevant scholarly literature and conceptual analysis, drawing upon established theoretical perspectives to frame the argument and situate the discussion within broader academic discourse by structurally contrasting the statutory immunities provided by the Sangha Act 1962 against the regulatory gaps within the Administration of Islamic Organizations Act 1997 and the Civil and Commercial Code.
Main Arguments: The article highlights key conceptual issues related to religious property ownership, focusing in particular on specific tensions, ambiguities, and contested interpretations that characterize contemporary scholarly debates in this area. Notably, it points to the legal vulnerability of Waqf being treated as ordinary private property, exposing it to secular liabilities such as adverse possession and judicial execution, which fundamentally conflicts with Islamic theological principles.
Contributions: The discussion contributes to ongoing academic debates by clarifying conceptual boundaries and offering analytical insights derived from the Buddhist property framework that may inform future scholarly inquiry as well as institutional and policy-oriented considerations. These insights propose a new legal architecture, including institutional bifurcation, purpose bound asset recognition, and the establishment of a National Waqf Authority. How
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