THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN FACILITATING COLLABORATION AMONG THE PUBLIC, GOVERNMENT, AND PRIVATE SECTORS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTIN THE ROI KAEN SARASIN PROVINCE

Abstract

This study employed a qualitative research approach to examine the roles and functions of religious institutions in fostering collaboration among the public, government, and private sectors in sustainable community development in the Roi Kaen Sarasin provincial cluster. A total of 80 informants were selected using a proportional stratified sampling method. The participants included: (1) Buddhist monks, (2) government officials, (3) community leaders and local residents, and (4) private sector representatives. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using a content analysis approach.
The findings indicate that collaboration in sustainable community development among the public, government, and private sectors can be categorized into four main dimensions. First, in the social dimension, religious institutions play a key role in educating and encouraging individuals to become responsible citizens, serving as moral role models, providing venues for community activities, and offering guidance to local organizations. Second, in the economic dimension, religious institutions promote lifestyles based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, support occupational development, mobilize resources through donations, provide training and consultation, and facilitate educational study visits. Third, in the cultural dimension, they organize activities for important cultural and religious events, preserve historical sites and artifacts, serve as centers for promoting local arts and traditions, and disseminate health-related knowledge to the community, while also providing spaces for the preservation of cultural heritage. Fourth, in the environmental dimension, religious institutions contribute by maintaining temple environments, establishing guidelines for environmental protection and conservation, promoting the use of local wisdom in natural resource management, and advocating against environmental degradation. In conclusion, religious institutions play a significant role as centers of collaboration in sustainable community development, across social, economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions through the effective integration of efforts among all sectors within the community.