The Analysis of the Thai Sangha’s Administration According to the Sangha Act, B.E. 2505

Abstract

          Research has three objectives: 1) to examine the context of the problems and obstacles in regard to the administration of the Thai Sangha in accordance with the Sangha Act, B.E. 2505 and its amendments; 2) to analyze and compare the administration of the Thai Sangha affairs as provided in the Sangha Act. B.E. 2505, in terms of its background, advantages, and disadvantages with those provided in other comparable Acts, and their resulting impacts; and 3) to propose a policy model for an appropriate administration of the Thai Sangha’s affairs in line with the Dhamma and Vinaya Canons. The research methodology used comprises documentary research and qualitative research. The data was collected through in-depth interviews. 18 key informants, and 8 focus group discussants were selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was implemented through the inductive analysis method, and the research findings were presented descriptively.
          The research finding are as follows: the Sangha Act of B.E.2505 was enacted under a dictatorial government without any proper screening or discussion. Numerous sections are in contradiction of the Dhamma and Vinaya Canons. The Sangha did not participate in legislation process of this Act, and has been coercively subject thereto. A comparative analysis of the administration of Thai Sangha affairs as provided in the Sangha Act of B.E.2505 and all its amendments reveals that only regulations specific to administrative work are stipulated, while other aspects of the Sangha’s administration are not incorporated therein. This research, therefore, proposes a policy model for an appropriate administration of the Thai Sangha in line with the Dhamma and Vinaya Canons, recommends an amendment or a repealing of legal provisions in contradiction of or in contravention of the Dhamma and Vinaya Canons or the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. In addition, it has been found that the appointment of a monk as an official under the Criminal Code in the capacity of an administrator holding a Sangha administrative position does not include abbots as they are governors of monasteries, rather than Sangha administrators. They are thus not officials as per the Criminal Code. As such, they are not government officials in accordance with the Organic Act of the Kingdom of Thailand on the Prevention and Suppression of Corruption and Misconduct, B.E. 2561.