Factors Influencing the Decision of Thai Buddhists for Temple Visits and Merit Making

Abstract

          The research objectives of this research were: 1) to study the personal factors influencing the decision of Thai Buddhists for temple visits and merit-making; and 2) to study the attitudes and beliefs regarding merit-making affecting their decisions. The methodology of this research was the sample group of 400 Thai Buddhists, selected using a non-probability sampling method. The research was quantitative. The research instrument was an online questionnaire. Data collection was divided into 1) primary data and 2) secondary data. Data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, One-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis.

           The results of this research were: 1) personal factors such as gender, age, education level, marital status, and monthly income revealed that the majority of the sample were women aged 51-60, with a bachelor's degree, single, and a monthly income of over 25,000 baht. Statistical analysis showed that the age had an impact on the decision to visit a temple for merit-making, while gender, education level, marital status, and monthly income did not show significant differences; and 2) attitudes and beliefs about making merit, including understanding, feelings, and behavior, influenced their decision. Research indicates that behavioral factors, such as doing good deeds and donating for merit, can stimulate continuous merit-making. People with positive experiences in merit-making are more likely to engage in it again. Furthermore, feelings and understanding related to merit-making can motivate further merit-making behavior, especially when the person feels peace, relief from suffering, and satisfaction from their charitable acts. Therefore, merit-making is a highly influential activity for developing happiness and religious faith. This research can be used in designing and promoting religious activities to encourage temple visits and foster merit-making in Thai society.