Roles of Buddhist Monks of Chiang Mai Province to Support the Society Development towards Thailand 4.0 Policy

Abstract

The objective of this research  was to study roles of Buddhist monk in Chiang Mai province to support the policy of Thailand 4.0. Using a qualitative method of study, the research was done through literature study, data collection from documents, facts finding and data analysis from in-depth interviews conducted in area of study, Chiangmai. The target group were comprised of knowledgeable people, senior monks  and certain people who were related to Buddhism, chosen by  purposive sampling technique. From the study, it was found that, according to the Thailand 4.0  policy in social asspect in devloping Thai people effectively and ready for global stage, the Buddhist monks have partly contributions to people development for greater society conforming to the Public Policy. In the aspect of economic aim of  Thailand 4.0 policy with its focus on innovation  and technology development;  strengthening internally for the ability to face global society by driving the business development in part of agricultural and industrial fields, there was no concrete evidence of Buddhist Monks' role in supporting this aspect. However in tourism industry,the Buddhist Monks take parts in Social Development by improving and maintaining the moral rate among Buddhists, conserving the local Buddhism traditions by taking care of and preserving religious places of Buddhism sustainably. The study result suggested that the Government should implement and enforce the laws and regulations, both in secular and religious world, to prevent declination of Buddhism.