COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION MODELS FOR MANAGING TEMPLE SUBSIDIES TO PREVENT CORRUPTION

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Temple subsidy corruption has become a major governance issue in Thailand, undermining public financial transparency, the credibility of Buddhist institutions, and public trust. Although previous studies have examined individual corruption cases and legal responses, limited research has systematically analyzed corruption patterns, governance failures, and structural factors underlying temple subsidy corruption. This study, therefore, aimed to analyze the patterns and processes of temple subsidy corruption in Thailand; Investigate the structural and administrative factors that facilitate corruption; And assess the extent to which the financial management of Thai temples aligns with the principles of good governance. Based on these findings, the study proposes the TEMPLE Model as a preventive governance framework for sustainable corruption prevention.

Methodology: This study employed a qualitative Research and Development (R&D) approach using a multiple case study design. Data were collected from documentary and corruption case file analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Fifty key informants representing monks, temple administrators, government officials, auditors, anti-corruption agencies, community leaders, and related stakeholders were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Seventeen temples associated with officially documented corruption cases were included as case studies. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and cross-case synthesis. Methodological triangulation was employed to enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings.

Main Results: The findings indicated that temple subsidy corruption primarily occurred in three major budget categories: Temple restoration and renovation, Buddhist education, and Buddhist propagation. Major corruption patterns included kickback arrangements, document falsification, budget skimming, fund misappropriation, and collusion among multiple stakeholders involved in budget administration. Rather than isolated misconduct, corruption operated as a systemic process driven by governance deficiencies, including weak accounting systems, inadequate auditing, limited transparency, poor accountability, fragmented information management, and insufficient community participation. These structural weaknesses increased opportunities for discretionary decision-making, reduced effective oversight, and undermined public confidence in temple financial administration. Based on these findings, the study developed the TEMPLE Model, consisting of six governance mechanisms: Transparent Planning, Exclusive Accounting, Mandatory Disclosure, Participatory Monitoring, Likelihood Prevention Strategy, and Exhibited Information Board.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: The findings demonstrate that temple subsidy corruption is not only a governance issue but also an ethical challenge that conflicts with core Buddhist teachings. The proposed TEMPLE Model integrates modern governance principles with Buddhist values embodied in the Seven Aparihaniyadhamma (Condition of Welfare), the Suppurisa-Dhamma (The Seven Virtues), and the Ten Principles of a Righteous King, particularly the virtues of integrity, accountability, collective responsibility, and ethical stewardship. The model, therefore, promotes both effective governance and the practical application of Buddhist ethics in temple administration. Accordingly, this manuscript falls within the scope of Applied Buddhism, specifically focusing on the application of Buddhist principles to administration and management through the TEMPLE Model for corruption prevention and good governance in Thai temples.

Conclusions: Temple subsidy corruption in Thailand represents a structural governance problem rather than isolated individual misconduct. Sustainable corruption prevention requires strengthening transparency, accountability, standardized financial management, independent auditing, digital information systems, and community participation. The TEMPLE Model contributes to the literature by providing a preventive governance framework specifically designed for temple subsidy administration, integrating legal, administrative, and participatory mechanisms into a practical model that can enhance transparency, strengthen public trust, and support sustainable governance within Buddhist institutions.