The Religious Organizations and Communities’ Remedies in the Covid -19 Situation in Phuket Province

Abstract

        The research subject, “The religious organizations and communities’ Remedies in the COVID -19 Situation in Phuket Province”. The research aimed to study the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on communities in Phuket and the role and potential of religious organizations in healing these communities. This research employed qualitative research methodologies. Data collection and in-depth interviews were conducted with three groups of samples: those affected by the COVID-19 situation in the community, leaders of religious organizations of all five religions or their representatives, and government agencies associated with religious organizations and helping to heal communities affected by COVID-19 in Phuket Province. The data and related variables were analyzed, and the data was interpreted using descriptive statistics. A summary table was used to show the data for explanations, and lectures were written linking various issues together according to their relevance for the research study. The results demonstrated that the COVID-19 crisis had an impact on communities in Phuket. Most of the communities in the sample group were employed as service sector workers, earning the most income before the COVID-19 period, earning 9,001–25,000 baht. During that situation, most of them earned less. Most of them also acknowledged the role of religious organizations in public welfare or charity for more than 10 years. They received various forms of therapeutic assistance from religious organizations, including spiritual rehabilitation activities, application of religious principles, distribution of medical supplies, consumer goods, and other necessities for life.