Competency Evaluation of Dhammaduta Monks (Buddhist Missionaries) in Social Public Welfare Roles within Healthcare

Abstract

The research aimed to survey and analyze the operating conditions, establish criteria and indicators for competency assessment and to present a competency assessment model for Dhammaduta monks (Buddhist missionaries) serving both international and domestic roles for public welfare, social development and human security volunteering (SDHV). This study employed a mixed research methodology, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research. Data were collected from 4 countries namely the United States, Norway, New Zealand and Japan as well as five provinces in Thailand namely Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Surin and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The quantitative study was conducted with a sample of 560 monks, while in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 monks. The deductive and inductive methods were used to incorporate document analysis, statistics evaluation, and in-depth interviews, and data were presented in the form of descriptive analysis. The results revealed that Thai Dharmadutas (Buddhist missionaries) abroad work and develop society within the legal and cultural frameworks of their respective countries, relying on the assistance of all parties, i.e., Thai Sangha, local communities, and government authorities. All monks perform public welfare duties under the guidance of the Buddha's teachings and the Sangha Supreme Council with great emphasis on improving mental and physical health as well as enhancing public welfare, social development and stability. The criteria for competency evaluation of Thai monks are based on 5 five key aspects: knowledge, skills, attitude, application, and performance. The evaluation results of the competency of Dharmadutas working abroad and performing public welfare work were at the highest level across all aspects, with an average score of 4.63. The breakdown of scores was: Knowledge: 4.43, Skills: 4.62, Attitude: 4.57, Application: 4.79, Performance: 4:62. In particular, application shows the highest level of score which means monks use all social and ecological capital to benefit the work. To address these, the research proposes a strategic implementation framework focusing on curriculum alignment with national qualification standards, institutional collaboration, systematic monitoring, and sustainable development integration. These strategies aim to enhance the preparedness and global relevance of Thai Dhamma missionaries, positioning them as key contributors to cross-cultural dialogue, public welfare, and peaceful global coexistence.