Bangkok Community Named Model Village for Buddhist Five Precepts
Khlong Bang Noi community in Bangkok's Talingchan district has been designated a model village for the Five Precepts Buddhist initiative after a field inspection by senior monks, officials, and the governor. The project promotes social harmony by applying the Five Precepts in daily life, supported by temples, local administration, schools, and community groups. Activities include merit‑making, environmental conservation, elder care, and volunteer work, linking home, temple, and government.
Recently, a committee conducted field inspections to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the project to foster harmony and unity using Buddhist principles, the 'Five Precepts Village' initiative (under the 20-year national strategy), in Khlong Bang Noi community, Wat Chai Phruk Mala, Talingchan District, Bangkok. The inspection was chaired by His Holiness Somdet Maharat Chamongkol Muni (Thongchai Thammachot), member of the Mahatherasamakhom and abbot of the Northern Central Region, president of the Five Precepts Village project, together with Phra Thamwachirasunont, acting executive chairman, Phra Thepsamut Wacharachan, Northern Central Region committee chairman, Phra Thep Wachiranuwat, abbot of Wat Chai Phruk Mala and Talingchan district monk, Phra Kru Metta Mongkon Witthiset, abbot of Wat Witthith Bunyawas and Tawiwat district monk, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Assoc. Prof. Parina Sreenich, advisor on research and academic development of Buddhism at the National Office of Buddhism, and Ms. Kesorn Samiphak, director of Talingchan District Office, who joined the field visit to monitor and evaluate the project.
Governor Chadchart reported that Talingchan is one of Bangkok’s 50 districts, covering about 32 square kilometres, with a predominantly Buddhist population. For the year 2569 (2026), the Bangkok Sangha selected Khlong Bang Noi community in Bang Chueknang sub‑district, Talingchan, as a model Five Precepts Village.
Somdet Maharat Chamongkol Muni said the Bangkok Sangha, together with all sectors, has successfully driven the Five Precepts Village project to fulfill its intention. Phra Thep Wachiranuwat, abbot of Talingchan district, the Talingchan Sangha, together with the Thawiwat Sangha, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Education Office, Talingchan and Thawiwat district offices, schools, community organizations, network partners, and the public have demonstrated genuine commitment and readiness to implement the Five Precepts Village project in Bangkok, making it a tangible reality.
The Five Precepts Village concept originated from a suggestion by Somdet Maharat Changanachaya (Chuen Vorapanyo) and has been pursued since 2557 (2014), spanning twelve years. It has received strong support from the Sangha, government, and private sector, aiming to create a happy society by applying the Five Precepts to personal, family, community, and social life.
Following the inspection, the Central Region committee announced Khlong Bang Noi as Bangkok’s model Five Precepts Village, highlighting its strong community relationships, mutual aid, and cooperation. Wat Thong Bang Chueknang serves as the spiritual centre and a key site for perpetuating Buddhism and local traditions. Residents jointly maintain Thai customs and culture, such as making merit and offering alms on important Buddhist days, Songkran festivals, community merit‑making, and elder‑care activities.
The village also promotes volunteer work, care for the elderly, disabled, and bedridden patients, environmental conservation, canal preservation, health promotion, livelihood creation, and the application of the 'Boru' concept—home, temple, and government working together. Through the participation of residents, community leaders, the temple, state agencies, and partner networks, the village fosters unity, shared responsibility, and harmonious coexistence.
