A Comparative Study of the Development Model in Education and Religion Management Process between Thailand and Lao

Abstract

Problem statement: The monks’ education was a foundation for national development. The objectives of this research were: (1) to study historical background and development of model and process of management in education and religion between Thai-Lao, (2) to study and compare the model of management in education and religion of Thai-Lao and (3) to find guidelines for collaboration in management of education and religion. Approach: The area in Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic, collecting data from 3 districts including: Luang Prabang, the wall of Vientiane City and Sawanked (Suwanked). The samples were the monks, novices and related persons, total of 300 persons. Qualitative Research Methodology was administered. The instruments using in this study consisted of: questionnaire, observation form and focus group discussion, analyzing based on the objectives. The research findings were presented in descriptive analysis. Results: (1) the development in general course study of Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic, started at the temple, the monks acted as both of teachers teaching material and dharma and supporters. Only boys had their opportunity to study both of general filed and Bali Field of study simultaneously. In some institutes, foreign languages were added for usefulness for studying in higher level as well as working, (2) for model and process of education and religion, both countries had similar aspects of educational policy, for example, educational quality development, enhancement for people and organization to participate in educational management. For the difference, Lao People’s Democratic Republic gave an importance to the search for support from foreign countries while policy of Thailand focusing on being center of education in Indo China Country Group and (3) for collaboration in development for education and religion of Thai-Lao, Thai should help Lao People’s Democratic Republic in education both of youth and monks. The bureaucratic work units related to education both of direct and indirect ones by offering scholarship in higher education level in order to develop relationship for knowledge sharing. For monks’ education, Lao monks should be supported for studying in monk college of Thailand with campuses all over country especially in Isan Region, so that the sustainable relationship would exist between 2 neighborhood countries. Conclusion/Recommendations: Education was an integral factor in national development. For the monks’ education, it should be implemented in aligned with each other since both countries had faith in Buddhism as major religion in order to help in developing the virtue and morality simultaneously with national growth.