Fire Prevention Model in Buddhist Temples: A Case Study of Temples in the Bang Khun Non Area, Bangkok

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) examine the context, challenges, needs, and contemporary approaches to fire prevention in temples in the Bang Khun Non area of Bangkok; (2) explore Buddhist peaceful means conducive to fire prevention in these temples; and (3) develop and propose fire prevention model for temples in the Bang Khun Non area based on Buddhist peaceful means. The study employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology within the framework of the Noble Truths Model, using various research tools, including in-depth interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions.

The findings revealed that: (1) Most temples have outdated infrastructure, deteriorating electrical systems, insufficient fire prevention equipment, and limited knowledge of risk management. Monks and temple staff demonstrate low awareness, and cooperation with the community and government remains weak, resulting in ineffective disaster management; (2) Buddhist peaceful means conducive to fire prevention involve applying the Four Noble Truths as follows: Dukkha (Suffering), referring to damage and insecurity caused by fire incidents; Samudaya (Cause of Suffering), referring to negligence, lack of knowledge, and inadequate management systems; Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering), referring to the potential to eliminate suffering through awareness, attitude change, and systematic cooperation; and Magga (Path to the Cessation of Suffering), referring to guidelines for addressing suffering, which are developed into the 3M Model; and (3) the fire prevention model based on Buddhist peaceful means applies the 3M Model, namely: Mindfulness, which refers to raising awareness through training, fire drills, and Dhamma media; Mindset, which refers to shifting beliefs from viewing disasters as predetermined karma to understanding that they can be prevented through awareness and adaptability; and Management, which refers to developing temple safety plans, clearly defining the roles of monks, communities, and government agencies, installing basic fire safety equipment, and establishing the “Bowon” network (temple-community-school) to jointly implement sustainable risk management in temples.