The practicalities of Thai Buddhist temples in the UK

Thesis

There are 31 Thai Buddhist temples in the UK. Those who establish and run them face a double challenge of complying with both Thai and UK government regulations. Obstacles such as visas, building control, people and property management, public health, finances, and other matters lead to the apparent paradox of Buddhist monks, with their reputation for world renunciation and religious service, requiring administrative expertise much as we might expect of civil servants or business managers. Using institutional theory and extensive engagement with the Thai Theravada communities in the UK, this study elucidates how they balance these while fulfilling expectations tied to both Thai and convert temple culture.

Chapter 1 examines the role of Thai temples in Thailand itself, the ways that they are governed under Thai law. Chapter 2 focuses on Thai parent temples that have branches in the UK and the nature of their internationalisation, including traditional royal temples, the Thai Forest tradition and the Dhammakaya temple, whose branches together dominate the UK landscape. Chapter 3 provides six in-depth case studies of temples in the UK, each with its own history, management style and recruitment methods. Chapter 4 investigates the processes monks must undergo in order to leave Thailand, how they establish temples and the myriads of procedures and challenges they must navigate to maintain them. Chapter 5 explores the life of those who live at Thai temples in the UK, including the absence of mae chi nuns, but the adaptation of ordination for women at Thai Forest temples. The final chapter examines lay support. It assesses the effect of the Thai immigration patterns to the UK, with a majority of female migrants, and the important contribution of women entrepreneurs. It also examines the importance of conflict avoidance and resolution, with failure leading to the past closure of temples.

Authors: Treesahakiat, I

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-rjwmnq0ab
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: Thai, English
• Keywords: Thai migration to UK; Thai Buddhist temples; Buddhism in the UK; British Buddhism; Buddhist nuns; Buddhist monks as managers; institutional analysis
• Subjects: Thai Buddhist temples; Buddhist temples