THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF SANGAHAVATTHU-DHAMMA OF MONKS IN HUAI YANG THON SUBDISTRICT, PAK THO DISTRICT, RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1. examine the level of practice regarding the community development roles of monks based on the principles of Sangahavatthu-dhamma (virtues for social integration), 2. compare such roles based on personal factors, and 3. identify problems, obstacles, and offer recommendations for enhancing the role of monks in community development in Huai Yang Thon Subdistrict, Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative component involved a survey of 366 local residents using questionnaires, with data analyzed through frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. The qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with 9 key informants and content analysis within the relevant context.

The results revealed that: 1. The overall level of the monks' role in community development based on Sangahavatthu-dhamma was rated as high, with a mean score of 4.02. 2. Comparative analysis showed that gender had no significant impact on the perceived role of monks, leading to the rejection of the hypothesis. However, factors such as age, education level, occupation, and monthly income showed statistically significant differences at the 0.01 level, supporting the research hypothesis. 3. Major obstacles included a lack of innovation and creative practices in community development. The key recommendation was to promote the involvement of monastic organizations in supporting the use of beneficial technologies to enhance and preserve local wisdom as a foundation for sustainable development.