The study had following objectives: 1. To study the roles and functions of monks in the development of the THAI society. 2. To compare the roles and functions of monks in relation to their age, term of monk-hood, area of temples, level of general education and religious education of monks. 3. To study the problems and obstacles of roles and functions of monks regarding the educational development of the Thai society.

The investigator prepared a 5 point scale using Likert Method, comprising of 57 statements on the roles and functions of monks. A personal data sheet was also developed to collect personal information of the monks.

The data were analysed through ANOVA, t-test and Studentized Range Statistics Test.

The study arrived at following findings: 1. The monks were found to play a moderate role in the educational development of the THAI society. 2. The status of monks, their age, area of temple, term of monk-hood, level of education did affect the degree of roles and functions of the monks. 3. The monks of abbot level; the monks between 31-40 years of monk-hood, the monks having a graduate degree, the monks having Pali and Dhamma Education, the monks belonging to temples in the rural area were found to have a stronger and higher effect on the educational development of the Thai society. 4. Many of the monks said that they lack funds, opportunities, support, leadership training, facilities and time to perform their roles and functions. 5. It was seen that some of the monks were interested in earning money from people, but did not want to take part in the educational development of people. 6. Some graduates or more qualified monks wanted to seek opportunities for their personal progress. 7. Lack of support from the government and community also created impediments in their service to people.