AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ROLE OF PHRA RACHBHAVANAVACHIRAGUN (CHUE BHANDHAMUTTO) AT KHAO TANGOR UDOMPHORN TEMPLE, NONG BUA RAWE DISTRICT, CHAIYAPHUM PROVINCE

Abstract

The thesis entitled “An Analytical Study of Social Welfare Roles of Phra Rajapavanavachirakhun (Chue Phanthamutto), Wat Khao Ta Ngoa Udomporn, Nong Bua Rawe District, Chaiyaphum Province” aims to 1) study the roles of Buddhist monks in social welfare, 2 ) examine the social welfare roles of Phra Rajapavanavachirakhun (Chue Phanthamutto), and 3 ) analyze his social welfare roles in a systematic perspective.

This research is a qualitative study based on documentary research, relevant academic works, and field data collected through in-depth interviews with key informants, including monks, community leaders, and local residents, as well as participant observation. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis based on Buddhist conceptual frameworks, particularly the Four Bases of Social Solidarity (Sangahavatthu IV) and the concept of Engaged Buddhism.

The findings reveal that the social welfare roles of Buddhist monks are significantly important for Thai society in various dimensions, including assisting the underprivileged, improving people’s quality of life, and strengthening sustainable community development through the application of Buddhist principles.

Regarding the social welfare roles of Phra Rajapavanavachirakhun (Chue Phanthamutto), it was found that he has continuously engaged in various social welfare activities, including education support, public health assistance, poverty alleviation, disaster relief, infrastructure development, and the promotion of morality and ethics among the people, enabling them to live appropriately according to Buddhist teachings.

The analytical results indicate that his social welfare practices integrate Buddhist principles with practical social development. In particular, the application of the Four Bases of Social Solidarity—generosity, kind speech, beneficial conduct, and equality—has fostered cooperation among temples, communities, and relevant organizations, leading to sustainable social development. It also reflects the role of Buddhist monks as spiritual leaders and social developers under the framework of Engaged Buddhism.