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Buddhism in Thailand

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Thailand is an overwhelmingly Buddhist country, with only five percent of the population adhering to other religions. The type of Buddhism practiced is Theravada Buddhism, which has its origins along southern trade routes from India. According to Lonely Planet: Thailand (7th edition), the “four nobles truths [of Buddhism] are
1. The truth of Dukkha: ‘All forms of existence are subject to dukkha (disease, unsatisfactoriness, stress, imperfection)’
2. The truth of the cause of dukkha: ‘Dukkha is caused by tanha (desire)’
3. The truth of the cessation of dukkha: ‘Eliminate the cause of dukkha (i.e. desire) and dukkha will cease to arise’
4. The truth of the path: ‘The Eightfold Path is the way to eliminate desire/extinguish dukkha’

The Eightfold Path (Atthangika-Magga) which if followed will put an end to dukkha, consists of
1. Right understanding
2. Right mindedness (right thought)
3. Right speech
4. Right bodily conduct
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right attentiveness
8. Right concentration” (page 45.)

How do Thais practice Buddhism? Many make merit every morning. This means offering money or food to the monks as they make their early morning rounds. The long row of monks in saffron robes with a sun rise in the background has been a favored photo of early-rising tourists. Most Buddhists don’t go to the temple that often, just on religious holidays or when they need to consult a monk with an important decision. At the temples or wats, Buddhists will offer incense, flowers, money and may take a few moments to pray or meditate in front of an image. Buddhism is taught in the schools and has a huge effect on the society as a whole. In the same regard, Thailand promotes and protects freedom of religion.

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