The Politics of Appointing Honorific Ranks of Provost Dean in Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate processes of appointing honorific ranks of provost deans, problems and obstacles of these appointments, and political factors affecting the appointment of honorific ranks of provost deans. Data were collected by the use of interviews, observations, and study of related documents. The 20 research participants were the provost deans and chief abbots in four districts.The results indicated that the appointment processes of the provost deans were mainly centralized by lord abbots, including unclear regulations and best practices, resulting in discrimination and inequity of the appointments. Problems and obstacles of the appointments largely resulted from confusing rules. These allowed individual discretions, not legal consideration, in the appointment processes. Consequently, the patronage system was widely found and senior monks, considered as stake-holders, played a significant role in the appointments of the provost deans. According to political factors affecting the appointments of honorific ranks of provost deans, a network of the patronage system was found by applying a private relationship with the Ecclesiastical District Officer and Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor, including senior abbots, considered as authorities having absolute power over the appointments.

Key Words: Provost Dean; Clergy; Ubonratchathani