Religious Committee promotes digital adaptation for temples

Khaosod•Politics•4d ago

Reader Briefing

The House Committee on Religion, Art and Culture organized a seminar in Ubon Ratchathani to promote the integration of technology and Buddhist principles in temple management.

•The seminar 'Synergizing Bowon for Temple Management in the Digital Age' was held on August 22, 2026.
•The event took place at Uthayan Dhamma Thod Luang Monastery in Nam Khun District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
•The House Committee on Religion, Art and Culture emphasized that digital tools should enhance Buddhist affairs without changing the identity of temples.
•The committee addressed long-standing issues regarding the request to use forest areas for the establishment of Uthayan Dhamma Thod Luang Monastery.

Overview

•On August 22, 2026, the House Committee on Religion, Art and Culture organized a seminar at Uthayan Dhamma Thod Luang Monastery in Ubon Ratchathani.
•Thiwalarat Angkinan delegated Somsak Bunprachom and the religious subcommittee to lead the seminar on digital temple management.
•The House Committee on Religion, Art and Culture stated that digital technology should be used for administration, propagation, and public relations while adhering to governance and transparency.
•The 'Bowon' concept, comprising Home, Temple, and School, is identified as a key mechanism for driving community strength and quality of life.
•Uthayan Dhamma Thod Luang Monastery has faced a prolonged delay in the process of obtaining permission to use forest land for temple establishment.
•The House Committee on Religion, Art and Culture explained that establishing temples on state land is complex because it involves multiple agencies including the Royal Forest Department and Treasury Department.
•The House Committee on Religion, Art and Culture will use the 'Bowon' principle to coordinate with relevant sectors to resolve the land use issues concretely.

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Key Entities

Organization

House Committee on Religion, Art and Culture(คณะกรรมาธิการการศาสนา ศิลปะ และวัฒนธรรม สภาผู้แทนราษฎร)

A committee of the House of Representatives responsible for religious, artistic, and cultural affairs.

Royal Forest Department(กรมป่าไม้)ℹ️

A government agency involved in the complex process of permitting temple establishment on forest land.

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation(กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช)ℹ️

A government agency involved in the process of permitting temple establishment on state land.

Treasury Department(กรมธนารักษ์)

A government agency involved in the process of permitting temple establishment on state land.

National Office of Buddhism(สำนักงานพระพุทธศาสนาแห่งชาติ)ℹ️

A government agency involved in the process of permitting temple establishment on state land.

Person

Thiwalarat Angkinan(ธิวัลรัตน์ อังกินันทน์)

Member of Parliament for Phetchaburi and Chairperson of the House Committee on Religion, Art and Culture.

Somsak Bunprachom(สมศักดิ์ บุญประชม)

A member and advisor of the House Committee on Religion, Art and Culture.

Phrakhru Sutthiphatthanakit(พระครูสุทธิพัฒนกิจ)

The ecclesiastical head of Nam Khun District.

Phrakhru Ophat Sasanakan(พระครูโอภาสศาสนการ)

The ecclesiastical head of Ta Kao Subdistrict.

Phrakhru Wachirapanyawisut(พระครูวชิรปัญญาวิสุทธิ์)

The ecclesiastical head of Phaibun Subdistrict.

Phra Ajarn Aphirak Siriphattho(พระอาจารย์อภิรักษ์ สิริภัทโท)

The head of Uthayan Dhamma Thod Luang Monastery.

Amnuay Thongrin(อำนวย ทองรินทร์)

The senior permanent secretary of Nam Khun District.

Place

Uthayan Dhamma Thod Luang Monastery(สำนักสงฆ์อุทยานธรรมทดหลวง)

A monastic site in Ta Kao Subdistrict, Nam Khun District, Ubon Ratchathani, currently seeking permission to use forest land.