The most prominent scholar-monk in present-day Thailand is Buddhadasa of
Southern Thailand who, after passing the prayok examination, has been a prolific writer
since the last four decades. He produced a large number of books concerning the
doctrines and practices of Buddhism. Many of which are used as reference books by
monks and lay people. His lectures, commentaries and sermons have strong appeal to
academics and educated public. In all his work, he has demonstrated by scientific
methods that Buddhism can be used effectively to solve the problems of human life and
society, irrespective of the age. His invaluable contribution to Buddhist scholarship has
been recognized by many Thai universities, which recently have given him honorary doctorate degree as a praise of his contribution. Another famous scholar-monk is Phra
Prayudh Payutta whose expoundation of the Dhamma in his monumental work, Buddha
Dhamma, has won him wide acclaim