JOURNAL OF NAKHONRATCHASIMA CIVIL SOCIETY

Editorial Note

2026-06-14T18:32:32+07:00

This issue of the Nakhon Ratchasima Civil Society Journal marks Volume 3, Issue 1 (January–June 2026). It features scholarly contributions from university lecturers and civil society scholars representing various academic institutions. All submitted manuscripts have undergone a rigorous peer-review process by qualified experts in their respective fields and were subsequently revised by the authors prior to publication.

The Editorial Board is committed to developing the journal in accordance with the standards established by the Thai Journal Citation Index Centre (TCI). Accordingly, this issue emphasizes the theme of Buddhist-integrated approaches to Thai social development. It includes three research articles and two academic articles that contribute valuable insights into educational administration, Buddhist studies integrated with modern disciplines, mental development, and civil society advancement, for a total of five scholarly articles.

The Editorial Board sincerely hopes that the knowledge and perspectives presented in this issue will be beneficial to academics, researchers, students, civil society practitioners, and the general public, and will contribute to the sustainable development of Thai society.

Temple Administrative Management to Promotion of the Community Learning : A Case Study of the Temple in Wangnoi District, Ayutthaya Province.

2026-05-28T19:28:41+07:00

This research aims to 1. Study the management of temples to promote community learning 2. Compare the management of temples to promote community learning 3. Study the problems, obstacles, and suggestions for managing temples to promote community learning: A case study of temples in Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The research employs a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative research uses questionnaires as a data collection tool. The sample group consists of 397 people aged 18 years and older in Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Saraburi Province. Statistical analyses include frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, hypothesis testing using t-test, F-test, and one-way ANOVA. Qualitative research uses in-depth interviews with 9 key informants. Data is analyzed using descriptive content analysis..

The research found that the opinions of monks regarding temple management to promote community learning, in two aspects: personal and material, were generally at a high level, with an average score of 4.42. When categorized by aspect, in order of the highest average score, opinions regarding temple management to promote community learning: a case study of temples in Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, in the material aspect ranked first with an average score of 4.43, followed by the personal aspect with an average score of 4.40.
comparison of the opinions of monks regarding temple management to promote community learning years of ordination, secular education, religious education, and Pali education, revealed that monks with different personal factors such as age, years of ordination, secular education, religious education, and Pali education did not differ significantly in their opinions regarding temple management to promote community learning: a case study of temples in Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, in all aspects. Therefore, the research hypothesis was rejected.
Problems and obstacles in temple management to promote community learning: a case study of temples in Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, the following issues exist: Regarding personnel, a lack of budget support for various projects has resulted in the failure of community learning programs. Regarding materials, the facilities are often unclean and lack proper maintenance. The absence of modern technology to facilitate learning, particularly tools that would speed up the learning process, has led to a lack of interest from young people.

THE ROLE OF BUDDHIST MONKS IN SOCIAL WELFARE IN MUEANG NAKHON RATCHASIMA DISTRICT, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

2026-05-28T19:34:27+07:00

This research aims to 1) study the role of Buddhist monks in social welfare in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province; 2) compare opinions on the role of Buddhist monks in social welfare in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, categorized by personal factors; and 3) study guidelines for developing the role of Buddhist monks in social welfare in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The research employs a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative research uses questionnaires as a data collection tool. The sample group consists of 400 residents of Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Statistical analyses include frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypothesis testing is conducted using t-tests, F-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Qualitative research uses in-depth interviews with 9 key informants (monks or individuals). Data is analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research findings indicate that 1) the overall role of Buddhist monks in social welfare in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, is at a high level, with a mean of 4.26; and 2) a comparison of opinions on the role of Buddhist monks in social welfare in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, is presented. In Nakhon Ratchasima Province, people with different genders, ages, education levels, occupations, and monthly incomes did not have significantly different opinions regarding the role of Buddhist monks in social welfare in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Therefore, the research hypothesis is rejected. 3) Guidelines for developing the role of Buddhist monks in social welfare in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province should focus on promoting integrated cooperation between temples, communities, and government agencies to provide more systematic and comprehensive assistance to the public. Developing the capabilities of Buddhist monks in social welfare, management, and technology use will increase the efficiency of operations and communication with the community.

THE ROLE OF BUDDHIST MONKS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRISONERS ACCORDING TO BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

2026-05-28T19:32:06+07:00

This research aimed to 1. study the role of Buddhist monks in the development of inmates in Nakhon Ratchasima Province; 2. compare the role of Buddhist monks in the development of inmates in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, categorized by personal factors; and 3. study the problems, obstacles, and suggestions regarding the role of Buddhist monks in the development of inmates in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The research employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative research used questionnaires as a data collection tool. The sample consisted of 100 Nakhon Ratchasima Central Prison officers. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypothesis testing was conducted using t-tests, F-tests, and one-way ANOVA. Qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with 9 key informants (monks or individuals). Data was analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The research findings indicated that 1) the overall role of Buddhist monks in the development of inmates in Nakhon Ratchasima Province was at a moderate level. The study found that the highest average score was for mental health (3.24), followed by economic and social aspects (3.13), and the lowest average score was for physical health (3.12). 2) A comparison of the role of monks in developing inmates in Nakhon Ratchasima Province showed no significant difference in the opinions of prison staff across different genders, ages, education levels, and monthly incomes. Therefore, the research hypothesis was rejected. Recommendations include: arranging for knowledgeable monks to give lectures alongside prison staff to improve inmates' attitudes towards behavioral change and quality of life; coordinating with government agencies to organize activities and projects to reduce prison sentences; and promoting a new life for inmates, preventing reoffending, in accordance with integrated Buddhist principles.

Example of Leadership in Buddhism : Anathapindika the Lay Disciple

2026-05-28T19:36:42+07:00

Anathapindika, a Buddhist lay follower, was preeminent in the practice of giving alms and is celebrated as a prominent example of leadership in Buddhism. He was not merely a person of faith and generosity, but also possessed foresight and decision-making abilities on important matters. Evidence of his contributions is found in over 22 sutras and 15 Jataka stories. His most significant achievement was the construction of the Jetavana Mahavihara in Savatthi, a central hub for the dissemination of Buddhism during the time of the Buddha. This monastery remains a historical monument for Buddhists to remember his contributions. Although born into a merchant family, Anathapindika sought wisdom for the attainment of perfect humanity. His leadership qualities are reflected in his intelligence, ability to persuade, compassion, initiative, and social cohesion. His success is divided into two dimensions: personal success through attaining the first stage of enlightenment (Sotapanna) after hearing the Buddha's teachings, and social success through his patronage of Buddhism, building temples, promoting the economy, and bringing Buddhist principles to communities. Even in his final moments, he remained concerned for others, wishing for people to access the profound Dharma as he had done. His life is therefore a perfect example of Buddhist leadership, encompassing both personal success and social contribution. Based on morality, faith, goodness, and the current social context, leaders with power can create both positive and negative changes in society. They should learn from the leadership style of Anathapindika, the lay devotee.

THE SEVEN FUNDAMENTAL BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES OF NON-DECLINE IN THE GOVERNANCE OF THE SANGHA.

2026-05-06T09:25:39+07:00

Integrated Buddhist monastic governance, based on the Seven Principles of Non-Decline (Aparihaniyadhamma), is not merely about maintaining tradition and rules, but about creating an organizational culture born from unity, compassion, and mutual respect, aiming for the enduring stability of the monastic community. This integrated Buddhist governance process involves encouraging monks to meet regularly, perform monastic duties in unified manner, maintain a continuous administrative system, and adhere to the Dhamma and Vinaya without enacting anything not prescribed by the Buddha, nor revoking the principles he established, in order to preserve purity. At the same time, it requires respecting and listening to the teachings of senior monks, the fathers and leaders of the Sangha, to continue their experience and spiritual guidance. The heart of modern monastic governance shifts from control through rules to winning hearts through Dhamma, using the Seven Principles of Non-Decline to build unity and bridge the gaps between defilements. When governance is in place, and space is given for compassion to guide the development of Buddhism, the results of mental refinement will manifest. Governers must not succumb to the power of desires. Knowing how to restrain ambition so that the exercise of power is peaceful and pure; rejoicing in solitude to cultivate the bliss of seclusion, which is a vital force in carefully considering monastic affairs; extending loving-kindness to fellow monks; and wishing well to virtuous monks and novices who are free from harm—these are fundamental principles that lead the monastic community to lasting prosperity and stability.