MODEL OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OF MONASTERIES IN THAILAND

Abstract

The objectives of this research article are1. To synthesize policies and strategies for the management of temple assets in Thailand. 2. To study the feasibility of establishing a Buddhist Asset Management Office in Thailand. 3. To develop the operating system of the temple asset database in Thailand. 4. To present the temple asset management model in Thailand. It is a combination of 4 types of research: Documentary Research, Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, and Action Research.

The research findings were as follows: 1. Key policies for monastic property management included establishing measures for transparent financial recording and auditing, promoting community participation, using properties for the common good, establishing monastic committees to manage according to good governance principles, and developing personnel in management. There were eight important strategies. 2. There was feasibility to establish an Office of Buddhist Property Management in terms of legal aspects, administration, and cooperation with relevant agencies, which would help systematize and standardize the property management of monasteries. 3. The developed monastic property database system had three sub-modules with very good efficiency and the highest level of user satisfaction. 4. The model for property management of monasteries in Thailand should integrate Buddhist principles, ecclesiastical and civil laws, and modern management principles, with collaboration among the Sangha, government, and civil society, under clear guidelines for managing finances, land and buildings, religious assets, and income generation.