The Development of Interreligious Dialogue Model in Khlong Samwa District and Nong Chok District, Bangkok

Abstract

The purposes of this qualitative research were 1) to study present circumstances of interreligious dialogue in Khlong Samwa district and Nong Chok district, Bangkok; 2) to investigate problems and obstacles of interreligious dialogue; and 3) to develop a model of interreligious dialogue. The tools used for data collection were in-depth interviews and a focus group. The sample comprised of 21 religious leaders, school administrators, experts, and community leaders, obtained by purposive sampling. The collected data was analyzed by content analysis.

The results of the study were as follows:

     1) The present circumstances of interreligious dialogue in Khlong Samwa district and Nong Chok district, Bangkok, as a whole, were at a satisfactory level.

     2) For the problems and obstacles of interreligious dialogue, some people did not understand the religions, traditions, and ways of life. There were negative attitudes towards them.

     3) In model of interreligious dialogue development in Khlong Samwa district and Nong Chok district, Bangkok, there comprised of 3 main factors, namely: (1) Leaders, both national and local level, who have been good models in interreligious dialogue, especially His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, and the royal family, who have patronized all religions in the Kingdom of Thailand. In the case of Khlong Samwa district and Nong Chok district, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has visited Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians who lived in Khlong Sansaeb in 1994. Additionally, leaders of communities in Khlong Samwa district and Nong Chok district played an important role on religious dialogue. (2) Believers of 3 main religions who have respected the faith, traditions, and ways of life in communities; and (3) Good activities originated by leaders and villagers in communities who had no religious discrimination, and joined in working for the sake of Khlong Samwa district, Nong Chok district, and the Kingdom of Thailand.