Guidelines for the Management of Abandoned Temples in Mae Hong Son Province

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the management of abandoned temples in Mae Hong Son Province. It is a documentary study.
The results of the study found that abandoned temples are caused by several factors, such as the relocation of villagers’ farmland, the absence of monks, and the relocation of temple locations. Mae Hong Son Province is classified as a forest area, including national forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. Therefore, it is difficult to request basic utilities. The process of issuing land title deeds to temples has resulted in a large number of abandoned temples. The management of abandoned temples in Mae Hong Son Province currently follows the guidelines set by the Sangha Supreme Council and the National Office of Buddhism, namely, the request for title deeds in order to request the renovation of abandoned temples and to upgrade them to temples with monks. The management approach for abandoned temples in Mae Hong Son Province is to establish committees at the provincial, district, and local levels to oversee and restore abandoned temples to become temples with monks or places for organizing Buddhist activities, as historical learning resources for local villagers, to create mutual understanding, and to jointly take care of and develop abandoned temples.