The dissertation entitled ‘Buddhist Morality for Life Insurance Business’ is of three objectives: 1) to investigate the context and the ethical problems concerning the life insurance business, 2) to study the Buddhist Ethics that relates to the life insurance business and 3) to analyze the guidelines for applying Buddhist Ethics in life insurance business. This research was conducted by the qualitative research method, i.e. documentaries, in-depth interview with 12 stakeholders and focus group of 7 stakeholders. The results of the study are as follows:

According to the contexts and ethical problems concerning the life insurance business, it was found that this business has been established and functioned in the reign of King Rama V. In addition, it was found problems that most people still lack knowledge and understanding about life insurance, about business operations for people and society, including creating a good image and confidence in the life insurance business. Although there are 10 professional ethics that must be followed, it is not enough to create professional faith for life insurance agents. 

Regarding the Buddhist Ethics that relates to the life insurance business, it was found that the Ten Professional Ethics has already been established for the life insurance agents. The Ten Professional Ethics is an importance for the life insurance business to be trusted by people and society. In addition, the Buddhist Doctrines can be applied for creating the good image such as Pāpaṇikadhamma or the qualities of a successful shopkeeper or businessman, Pañca-dhamma or the five ennobling virtues and Pañcasīla or the Five Precepts. The life insurance business must avoid from Adinnādāna or taking what is not given or and Musāvāda or false speech. The life insurance agents are considered as persons who create the good image for the life insurance company, they should develop the doctrines called Pāpaṇikadhamma or the qualities of a successful businessman. The ethics for life insurance companies and ethics to professional colleagues, they should develop the doctrines called Sucarita or good conduct. Ethics for life insurers, they should practice the Ghāravāsa-dhamma: virtues for a good household life, Sacca: truth and honesty and Kāyasucarita or good conduct in action.

With regard to the application of Buddhist ethics in the life insurance business, it found that the training should be provided to the executives and employees of the life insurance companies, customers and the general public. There should be support for executives and employees to practice meditation. There should have a media related to the implementation of Buddhist ethics in life. There should be a merit making by offering food to the monks on important religious days and promoting the role of social responsibility in order to promote the image of the organization and to various groups of people in society.

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