Distribution and Change in the Number of Temples and Buddhist Personnel in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the distribution and change in the number of temples in Thailand between 2012 and 2022. This quantitative research utilized geographic information and statistical analysis, drawing on data from official documents and relevant government agencies. The data was processed using concepts of cultural diffusion, spatial distribution, and social and cultural change. The research findings can be summarized as follows: In 2022, Thailand had a total of 43,471 temples, with the highest concentration in the northeastern region. The province with the most temples was Nakhon Ratchasima, with 2,215 temples. In contrast, the province with the fewest temples was Phuket, with only 41 temples. The province that experienced the most significant increase in the number of temples during the period from 2012 to 2022 was Udon Thani, with an addition of 335 temples. Conversely, the number of Buddhist monks and novices decreased from 355,295 in 2012 to 288,342 in 2022. The province with the highest number of Buddhist clergy in 2022 was Bangkok with 18,055, while the province with the fewest was Satun with 287. Most of the decline in Buddhist clergy numbers occurred in the northeastern region, with the most substantial decrease observed in Nakhon Ratchasima, where there was a decrease of 9,175. In contrast, the province of Nong Khai saw the most significant increase in the number of Buddhist clergy, with a growth of 501.