Abstract:
To research the thesis titled "Appropriate Conducts for Thai Monks and Patterns of Utilization of Internet to Promote Buddhism" aims 1) to study appropriate conducts in internet use of Thai monks measured by Vinaya and 2) to study appropriate patterns of utilization of the internet for Thai Monks along their expected roles. The research was mainly undertaken by using qualitative methodology, also mixed by Netnography supporting effectively data collecting. Moreover, participant observation, semi structured and structured interview were proper techniques to elicit needed data on the online space. There were 8 accounts of target monks' Facebook and 16 qualified temples' websites identified as a research field; the Facebook was going to be analyzed to reflect individual level facts, and institutional level facts from website analyzing. According to the objectives of this enquiry research, the results are divided into two contributions. Firstly, it is found that to behave appropriately towards the role of Buddhist practice in online social networks, monks should not conduct leading to the deterioration of sexual ethnics. They are not allowed to lie, exaggerated claim for their own benefits and harm against others or they would have committed a sin. They would not disrupt social activities intended to a break in society. Further, it is not used for commercial purposes and monks have to regard the appropriate solemnity which is suitable for this condition; as well as, a good monk should not offend or insult scandalous things intended to destroy the sacred of the Tripitaka's context. In case that, they need to spread Dharma on the internet, they must concern other important facts associated with moral behaviors due to the ethics of monkhood. Monks' activities on the internet must not inefficiently waste time to practice along their common routines. All the activities on the internet must also be honest and good intentions. Moreover, surfing the internet for communicational and educational purposes is considered to be appropriate. However, from the real phenomena, the research found that unsuitable language use, slang, also improper time and place seem to be a common share of inappropriate conducts. For the second contribution; patterns of utilization of internet to promote Buddhism, it is found only communicational and educational purposes supporting Thai Buddhism institution. As a matter of facts, Thai society expects monks to perform and conduct calmly on the internet, based on Thai moral culture and Buddhist religious ethnics. People expect them to keep their body, speech, and mind appropriately. However, monks should behave themselves in an appropriate way and act according to certain accept standard in Buddhism.