Enhancing the Management Process of Monastic Affairs in the Ecclesiastical Administrative Region of Chiang Rai Province through Buddhist Integration.

Abstract

The objectives of this research article are as follows:1.To study the current problems related to the management process of the Sangha administration in the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Chiang Rai Province;2.To examine the enhancement of the Sangha administration process in the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Chiang Rai Province in accordance with Buddhist principles; and 3.To propose approaches for enhancing the Sangha administration process in the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Chiang Rai Province based on Buddhist principles.

This is a qualitative study. The researcher conducted a review of relevant literature and documents, as well as in-depth interviews with 25 key informants from the target group. The research instrument was an in-depth interview guide, and the collected data were analyzed and presented in a descriptive format.

The research findings revealed that the Sangha administration in Chiang Rai Province faces several challenges that affect operational efficiency and transparency. In particular, the centralization of authority within the Supreme Sangha Council and high-ranking ecclesiastical leaders limits the decision-making role of local ecclesiastical administrators. This results in a lack of flexibility and an inability to respond promptly to area-specific issues.To address these problems, it is necessary to integrate Buddhist principles with modern administrative approaches, enabling sustainable adaptation to social change. This integration should be guided by the core Dhamma and implemented through the “5 M” management functions: planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling.