ความคิดทางจริยธรรมกับการเลือกฝ่ายทางการเมืองของพระสงฆ์ในสังคมปัจจุบัน

Abstract

This research investigates Buddhist monks’ choices of political affiliations during the time of political conflicts in Thai society between 2006 and 2010. It aims to study (1) the opinions of Buddhist monks on the overall political conflicts in present-day Thai society, and (2) the political and ethical reasons of Buddhist monks in choosing to affiliate themselves with political factions and their reasons for remaining neutral. The research finds that the political reasons for Buddhist monks’ affiliation with the “red shirts” group are their wish for democracy and their resistance to political overthrow by the military. Their ethical reason for doing so is their desire for social justice and the elimination of double standards. On the other hand, the political reasons for Buddhist monks’ affiliation with the “yellow shirts” group are their opposition to a corrupted government and their wish for a transparent democracy. Their ethical reason is the desire for ethical political activities in an honorable democracy. Monks who choose to remain politically neutral refer to dharma and democratic principles, as well as the transformation of society to democracy through peaceful means as their reasons.