LEGAL STATUS OF BUDDHIST ADMINISTRATORS: CASE STUDY OF BUDDHIST ADMINISTRATORS IN THAILAND

Abstract

The objective of this article were to: 1) study concept of legal theory from case study of Sangkhatikan (Buddhist administrators) in Buddhism Thailand,          2) analyze the evolution of practice and legal about Sangkhatikan admin and        3) suggest guidelines in respect to obstacles by the performance of Sangkhatikan official. This was a qualitative research that studies data from documents, in-depth interviews, and group discussions by selected specific sample of the key informants such as 1) monk 2) official 3) lawyer and 4) student and general public of total 100 monks/persons by analyzed content data and summarized overall. The research was found that: 1. New concept of legal theory such as 1.1) the Sangha Act. 2205 B.E 1.2) the Sangha Act. (No.2) 2535 B.E 1.3) Royal Decree 2545 B.E and 1.5) the Sangha Act. (No.3) 2560 B.E 2. The evolution of practice and legal were criteria for legal status of Sangkhatikan legal authority with the provisions of the legal by covering all parts in their own jurisdiction or in the temple, chief monk of an administrative division deputy, abbot deputy and abbot assistant who full authority according to position because it has been assigned compared to the Kingdom's officials and 3. Obstacles to the practical function should improve the Sangha Act. 2505 B.E Section 37-39 and 57 by adding clear legal status of Sangkhatikan and practice guidelines were not contrary to the laws of the country.