ABSTRACT

                   The main objectives of this research were : 1) to study the role of Sangha in promoting morality in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province, 2) to compare the role of Sangha in promoting morality in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province, classified by personal factors, and 3) to investigate the problems and develop the role of Sangha  in promoting morality in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province. In this study, quantitative research was employed. The sample of the study consisted of 297 people who lived in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province, being drawn on the basis of the sample size criterion by Taro Yamane. Questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was  an instrument for data collection. The statistical techniques used for data analysis were frequencies, Percentage, Average Mean, Standard Deviation (SD). To test the hypotheses, t-Test and F-test were employed. ANOVA (One-Way Analysis of Variance) was conducted in case of significant difference from three groups or more. The Least Significant Difference (Least Significant Difference: LSD) was used for paired significance differences.

The Findings of the study were concluded as follows:

                   1. A majority of respondents were male (243), representing 61.2 percent,  aged between 31-40 years (150), constituting 37.8 percent with a lower education level than the equivalent of  undergraduates (250), representing 63.0 percent and earned a monthly income of less than 5,000 Baht (274), representing 69.0 percent.

                   2. The over opinions on the role of Sangha in promoting morality in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province were found at the high level with average mean equal to 3.92, when considering into each aspect, it was noted at the high levels in all aspects by role of Sangha in promoting morality and enhancing the quality of life aspects obtaining high scores.

                   3. A comparison of the role of Sangha in promoting morality in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province, classified by personal factors, showed that  sex, age and educational level had no significant differences, whereas occupation was found significant difference at 0.05 level of confidence.

                   4. Problems concerned with the role of Sangha in promoting morality in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province, indicated that i) there were no sufficient help, cooperation and tangible results, ii) lack of continuity in the operation, and performance was not enough, Government did not recognize it, and iii) issues of the time in practice were different and unfit for duty, lack of cooperation among related authorities and the shortage of personnel and manpower.

                   For suggestions on development of  the role of Sangha  in promoting morality in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province, it was found that i) more help and sufficient cooperation should be added for the sake of yielding tangible results, ii) there should fixed  time and term course in teaching and practice, iii)  arrangement of  time to increase training awareness for the public.