Suitability Analysis of Religious Establishments within the Buddharaksa Community Forest: A Case Study of EAR and EC Zones

This research aims to analyze the suitability of religious establishments located within the Buddharaksa Community Forest, Nong Nam Sai Subdistrict, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The study applies the Environmental Accounting Report (EAR) and Environmental Checklist (EC) frameworks in combination with forest zoning maps, watershed classification and the actual geographic and social context of a national reserved forest area.The research employs a qualitative, policy-oriented analysis based on field surveys, relevant laws and policy documents, topographic and watershed maps and community land-use data. The findings indicate that all four religious establishments are essential to the community in religious, social and cultural dimensions; however, their levels of environmental suitability differ significantly. Religious sites located within Watershed Class 1A exhibit high ecological sensitivity and are suitable only under strict management conditions, whereas those located within Watershed Class 4 present lower environmental risk and are more compatible with community-oriented land use.This study integrates EAR and EC results to propose a balanced management framework for religious establishments within community forest areas, emphasizing the integration of environmental conservation, community needs and state regulations. The findings provide a practical policy model that can be applied to the management of religious establishments in other community forest areas throughout Thailand.