PARTICIPATION IN PROMOTING MONASTIC AFFAIRS BY LOCAL LEADERS OF THE PHAYAKKHAPHUM PHISAI DISTRICT SERVICE AREA, MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study participation in promoting monastic affairs by local leaders of The Phayakkhaphum Phisai District, Maha Sarakham Province. 2) to compare the opinions on the participation in promoting monastic affairs by local leaders in mention classified by gender, age, education level, and position. 3) To study recommendations regarding participation in promoting monastic affairs by local leaders of The Phayakkhaphum Phisai District, Maha Sarakham Province. The sample group consisted of 214 participants, including subdistrict heads, village heads, subdistrict administrative organization presidents, mayors, members of subdistrict administrative organization councils, and members of municipal councils in Phayakkhaphum Phisai District and five key informants. The research instrument used was a questionnaire with content validity between 0.67 to 1.00 and reliability at 0.94. The statistical analyses employed include frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation. The statistics used for hypothesis testing include t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and content analysis.

          The research found that:               

          1) The participation in promoting monastic affairs by local leaders of The Phayakkhaphum Phisai District, Maha Sarakham Province overall and aspect at a high level, ranked in order of average scores from highest to lowest as follows: public welfare activities, followed by educational support and religious education, respectively.

          2) A comparison of opinions regarding participation in promoting monastic affairs by local leaders of The Phayakkhaphum Phisai District, Maha Sarakham Province, classified by gender, educational level, and position, showed no significant differences overall and aspect. However, classified age there was a statistically significant difference

at the .05 level         

          3) The recommendations regarding participation in promoting monastic affairs by local leaders of The Phayakkhaphum Phisai District, Maha Sarakham Province local leaders should play a proactive role in coordinating cooperation with the Sangha in all aspects, including administration, religious education, educational support, dissemination of Buddhism, development of public infrastructure, and public welfare. Such collaboration would enhance unity, efficiency, and responsiveness to community needs. Furthermore, temples should be promoted as centers of faith, learning, and moral development to ensure sustainable benefits for local communities.