Roles of Monks on Community Development in Khamcha - i District Mukdahan Province

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the roles of Buddhist monks in community development, propose guidelines for role enhancement, and identify priority needs in Khamcha-i District, Mukdahan Province. The sample consisted of 146 monks and novices, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising two parts: demographic information and items on monks’ roles and community development needs, measured on a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses included percentage, mean, standard deviation, and the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI Modified).Results indicated that: (1) the overall roles of monks in community development were at a high level (= 3.58, SD = 0.50) ; (2) the guidelines for enhancing these roles were at the highest level ( = 4.57, SD = 0.18) , particularly in governance, public charity, and public utilities; and (3) the overall priority needs yielded a PNI Modified of 0.276, emphasizing governance, dissemination, educational support, and religious studies.