A Mediation Process by Buddhist Peaceful Means of Juvenile and Family Court of Bangkok

Abstract

The research article aimed at 1) studying the principles and dispute mediation process of the Central Juvenile and Family Court of Bangkok; and 2) studying the problems and the Buddhadhamma related to dispute mediation process of the Central Juvenile and Family Court of Bangkok. The study used a qualitative research method, focusing on documentary research and interviews with experts in dispute mediation and Theravada Buddhism. To correspond to the research objectives, content analysis was employed. From the study, it has been discovered that principles and process of dispute mediation by Buddhist peaceful means of the Central Juvenile and Family Court of Bangkok are that both parties to the conflict express voluntary satisfaction with the compromise result, in which the mediator must keep both parties' confidentiality and possess the following qualities: intelligence, honesty, impartiality, creativity, optimism, patience, being a good listener, flexibility in problem-solving, attempt, appropriate behavior, respect for both parties, communication skills, knowledge and experience in meditation, so that the mediator can build trust from both parties. Problems in dispute mediation in the Central Juvenile and Family Court of Bangkok are caused by both the parties to the conflict and the mediator. In Theravada Buddhism, a model for dispute mediation according to the Buddhist peaceful means is centered on Ariyasacca (the Four Noble Truths) comprising: 1) analyzing in order to identify suffering; 2) communicating based on piyavācā (kindly and beneficial words); 3) having compassion; 4) being impartial; and 5) forgiving one another.