THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MONKS’ PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO BUDDHISM IN SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this article were to study general conditions, development process and to propose the development of the monks' participation in community development according to Buddhism in Samut Songkhram Province. Methodology was the qualitative research collected data from 32 key informants with semi–in-depth-interview script and from 12 participants in focus group discussion. Findings were: 1. Monks at the abbot positions were community consultants and spiritual refugees and had the important roles in helping communities. One outstanding project was “Longkhaek Longklong” which meant “Pitch-in the canal clean-up”, the project the people shared labor in dredging the canals, 2. Development process reflecting problems for people to comprehend, opening opportunities for people to express their opinions to find the way to solve problems together, 3 Method of participation in decision making along with Buddhist method could be carried out by all around data studies. Monks had to plan together with villagers for community development.   For example, communities in Samut Songkhram province met every month to lay down plans for solving community problems, emphasizing values for money, transparency and check-ability.