Development of Buddhist Innovation Policy by the Buddhist Association of Thailand Under Royal

Abstract

          This article explores the development of the Buddhist Innovation Policy of the Buddhist Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, with having important role to promote sustainable Thai society during the rapid social change. Buddhist innovation refers to new ideas, practices, or inventions integrate Buddhist principles with modern science and technology to achieve effectiveness and sustainability. The primary objective is to address educational issues. The application of Buddhist innovation covers a wide range of dimensions, including education (e.g., "Innovative Buddhist Learning Spaces" and digital learning platforms), management (e.g., the application of the Threefold Training and the Seven Noble Truths for ethical management), communication (e.g., the use of modern media to disseminate the Dhamma and the Buddhist communication methods of Somdej Phra Buddhakosajarn (P.A. Payutto)), and well-being (e.g., innovative Buddhist care for the health of monks through "The National Monk Health Charter" and the "Kuti Chivabhan Project"), agriculture (e.g., "Buddhakasetra" based on the Middle Path), the environment (e.g., integrating the Four Bhavana Principles for Mindful Environmental Care), and political soft power (e.g., "Dhammikrath" for peaceful governance). Policy development continues to face challenges,  including frequent policy changes and a lack of systematic planning. Sangha organizations,  together with local administrative bodies such as the Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO), play an important role in building collaborative networks with academics and government agencies to drive these efforts. Policy recommendations emphasize the continuous development of teachers and educational personnel, the promotion of Buddhist well-being, the creation of educational innovations, and the integration of technology into the propagation of Buddhism.