The Sangha of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Contemporary Thai Social Dynamics : An Analytical Study

Abstract

This study, entitled “The Sangha of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Contemporary Thai Social Dynamics: An Analytical Study,” aimed to analyze the context of the Sangha in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and the dynamics of contemporary Thai society that influence the roles of the Sangha in religious activities, community development, and Buddhist propagation. The study employed documentary analysis based on religious, cultural, and social sources. The findings revealed that the Sangha of Nakhon Si Thammarat has strong Buddhist and cultural foundations rooted in its historical development, particularly Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, which serves as a major center of faith and a spiritual focal point for the local population. Consequently, the Sangha plays significant roles in preserving Buddhism, promoting morality, and sustaining cultural values. Amid the transformations of contemporary Thai society, the Sangha has adapted in various dimensions, including promoting the well-being of older adults through the concept of Health-Promoting Temples, supporting community development through the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, disseminating Buddhist teachings through digital media, and integrating its roles with government agencies and local communities to foster a moral society. These adaptations demonstrate the Sangha’s capacity to preserve spiritual values while responding to contemporary social dynamics. The Sangha of Nakhon Si Thammarat continues to maintain its position as a key moral, cultural, and spiritual institution for the people, while also serving as a model for the development of Thai society that seeks to balance modernization with its religious and cultural heritage.