PARTICIPATION OF MONKS IN IMPROVING PEOPLE'S QUALITY OF LIFE IN BUA NGAM SUB-DISTRICT AT DAMNOEN SADUAK DISTRICT IN RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) examine the level of public opinion regarding monks’ participation in improving the quality of life of people in Bua Ngam Subdistrict, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province; 2) compare these opinions classified by personal factors; and 3) examine the problems, obstacles, and recommendations concerning monks’ participation in improving people’s quality of life. This study employed mixed methods, with quantitative research as the primary approach and qualitative research used to support the findings. The sample consisted of 367 residents of the study area, selected through area-based stratified sampling and proportionate simple random sampling, and 10 key informants, comprising monks or laypersons, selected purposively. The research instruments were a questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and contextual content analysis. The research findings revealed that: 1) Overall, public opinions regarding monks’ participation in improving quality of life were at a high level (mean = 3.57, S.D. = 0.10). When considering each aspect, the physical aspect had the highest mean score (3.89), followed by the social aspect (3.68), the intellectual aspect (3.37), and the emotional aspect (3.35), respectively. 2) People with different genders, educational levels, occupations, and incomes had significantly different opinions at the 0.05 statistical significance level, whereas people of different ages did not differ in their opinions. 3) The major problems and obstacles included a lack of continuity in moral and ethical training, a lack of activities promoting psychological well-being, and unsystematic coordination with network partners. The recommendations were to promote proactive roles of monks, develop activities promoting psychological well-being, establish collaborative networks between temples and relevant agencies, and enhance monks’ skills to support the continuous improvement of people’s quality of life.