The Model Development of People’s Participation in Constructing and Establishing Temples According to the Sangha Act B.E. 2505 in Roi Et Province

Abstract

This research was aimed to study problems of public participation in constructing and establishing temples according to the Sangha Act B.E. 2505 in Roi Et Province and powers, duties, and integrated work between government organizations and people towards the construction and establishment of temples under the Sangha Act B.E. 2505. It was also aimed to propose a model of public participation in the construction and establishment of temples according to the Sangha Act B.E. 2505 in Roi Et Province. An in-depth interview was conducted among a total of 5 officers, whose legal power and authority concern constructing and establishing temples according to the law, from the National Office of Buddhism, the Roi Et Provincial Office of Buddhism, and the Governor's Office. A focus group discussion was administered among 12 key informants, who were legal experts and experienced in the construction and establishment of legal temples, including academics, subdistrict headmen, village headmen, churchwardens, entrepreneurs, and people in Roi Et. It was found that the construction and establishment of temples according to the Sangha Act B.E. 2505 in Roi Et Province had problems in terms of public participation and lack of integration among government agencies. Therefore, opportunities should be given to the public to share opinions on the construction and establishment of temples according to the act and to build integration to work together in Roi Et Province.

Keywords: People’s Participation; Establishing  Temples; The Sangha Act B.E. 2505