This dissertation entitled “New Models of Buddhist Social Work in Cambodia” has three objectives: 1) to study the general Buddhist social work models, 2) to study the Buddhist social work models in Cambodia, and 3) to propose the new models of Buddhist social work for Cambodia. The research used a mixed qualitative methodology based on participant-observation, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion.

                   In the objective one found that Buddhism in social work application model is significantly from contemporary interpretation of Buddhist doctrines, experiences, and self-recognition of the problems that modern Engaged Buddhists have applied in society. The Engaged Buddhists use the Buddha’ teachings for sufficient transformative power to guide for action as participation in social, political, economic and ecological issues. The social work doctrines in Buddhism suggested that every practice and development shell be harmless and no person is the victim of it and offered importance to the practice that bring to meet intrinsic value before extrinsic value in development.

                   In the objective two found that the three Engaged Buddhist organizations in Cambodia have portrayed the models of Buddhist social work by providing a different sense and degree in participation for social development. First, BSDA has represented the most advanced practice model among others in Buddhist institutional expression in social services and welfare activities. The organization uses modern strategic approaches to run the projects to benefit the people at large to access in education welfare, health service, agricultural training, and social accountability development learning. Second, LHA has presented other model that instead of exploring to a broad field, the organization works in specific issues on empowerment the gender equity. The model has strict on the quality of caring and providing service to ensure the effective transformative mechanism for individual women and children. Third, BEC performs traditional Buddhism in the modern form in social morality education by direct delivery approach on Buddhadhamma communication. The organization identifies this social awakening movement as to encourage the public engagement in common sharing the social responsibility.  

                   In the objective three, the researcher has proposed new models of Buddhist social work for Cambodia into four Rs. First, recreation model is as to socialize the roles of Buddhist social work beyond formerly identified cultural boundary of practicing Buddhism in society. Second, reform model is an alternative modern Buddhist social work to perform in the middle way within Buddhist tradition vis-à-vis modernity. Third, revision model is a modification in line with a traditionalist and conservative to practice within identified culture and tradition. Finally, recharge model is the harmony mission practice between social work and religion. These four models are the possible application for Engaged Buddhists and organizations of different contexts being empowered properly to take action in social work duty.

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