THE MONKS AND THEIR ASSISTANCE TO THE UNDERPRIVILEGED IN CHANTHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This academic article aims to study monks and the assistance to the poor in Chanthaburi Province by studying documents, books, websites, and participation in activities and synthesizing them to compile. The results of the study found that 1. The Chanthaburi Sangha has implemented public welfare according to the strategic plan for reforming Buddhist affairs from policy to provincial practice with 4 principles: 1) assistance, 2) support, 3) development, and 4) integration. In normal times, monks act as role models and provide advice, as well as leaders in developing and changing society in the right direction. 2. Assisting the poor in Chanthaburi Province is a way of fulfilling the mission of the Sangha administration to ensure orderliness, emphasizing compliance with the Dharma, the Sangha Act, and various rules of the Sangha Supreme Council. In the event of floods, storms, earthquakes, or other diseases, the Sangha plays a role in helping to maintain and alleviate the suffering of the people by building the Sangha Prachanukroh House. By the resolution of the Sangha Supreme Council, the provincial abbot of Chanthaburi has a policy to establish various funds, which in addition to scholarships, also provides a Dharma House.