Buddhist Jurisprudence and the Management of Religious Property of Temples in Contemporary Thai Society

Abstract

This academic article, entitled “Buddhist Jurisprudence and the Management of Temple Property in Contemporary Thai Society,” examines the principles of Buddhist jurisprudence and relevant laws governing temple property management, analyzes the major problems and obstacles in the administration of temple assets in terms of legal provisions, management practices, and transparency, and proposes guidelines for 
improving temple property management in accordance with Buddhist principles and good governance. Temples in Thailand are recognized as juristic persons under the Sangha Act B.E. 2505 (1962), and thus hold the legal rights and responsibilities to preserve and manage temple property. Nevertheless, the administration of temple assets continues to encounter significant challenges, particularly legal ambiguities, inadequate systems of control and accountability, and insufficient administrative knowledge among those 
responsible for managing temple property. These limitations contribute to risks related to transparency and reduce the overall efficiency of temple property administration. Effective development of temple property management should integrate the principles of Buddhist jurisprudence, which emphasize morality, honesty, and responsibility, with the principles of good governance, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and community participation. Such integration can enhance the 
systematic and efficient management of temple property while ensuring consistency with the intentions of donors. This approach not only improves the effectiveness of temple asset administration but also strengthens the image of temples and promotes sustainable public trust and confidence in Buddhism. The article also offers new knowledge on the application of Buddhist principles in conjunction with good governance to the 
management of temple property in the context of contemporary Thai society.