In the western world, when people talk about Buddhism, they often refer to it as a philosophy rather than a religion. While Buddhism is most certainly considered a religion within Thailand, the viewpoint of Buddhism as philosophy on way of life is nowhere more apparent than it is in Thailand.

Buddhism in Thai society is…

Tolerance of Other Ideas
Buddhism plays a huge role in Thai society in numerous aspects as nearly 90% of Thais are Buddhists, making Buddhist temples and golden statues common sights all over Thailand. While Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand, the religion itself is highly welcoming and accepting of other ideas and religions. This is evident when the first ‘farangs’ (Caucasians) they were welcomed at a Thai port with open arms by the locals and were treated with great hospitality and friendship. Thai kings and royalty even donated large pieces of land and allowances to Christian missionaries and generously supported them in their activities. Christian churches, schools, and hospitals were built. This freedom in religious practice, in fact, is rooted in the spirit of tolerance, which is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the Buddha’s teachings. The spirit of the religion can even be seen in government as the freedom to practice the religion of one’s choice is guaranteed by the constitution.

Respect to Living Beings & Displayed in Architecture
Another one of Buddhism’s teachings is to treat beings with respect and cause no harm to others. It advises people to practice and live a life that works for them, as long as they don’t hurt others. Accordingly, these influences are seen in Thai life-style, mannerisms, traditions, and character among other things. The fact that Thailand has become widely known today as the Land of Smiles is due in no small measure to the Buddhist influence on the Thai people. Buddnet.net states, “if generosity and friendliness were the standards by which to judge religious commitment, Thai Buddhists would no doubt be regarded as dedicated and earnest practitioners. The Thai traits of generosity and friendliness are often cited as examples of the Buddhist influence on the national personality.” As an example, even when just passing by, Thais bow down to the temples with a great deal of respect, and as one of the best compliments of Thailand that I have heard, a friend who visited Thailand for 3 weeks, he never said he witnessed any forms of threat or violence and felt that Thailand was such a warm and peaceful country. I believe that has much to do with the Buddhist aspect of society. Regarding homosexuality, Buddhism is mostly silent on the topic: Buddhism only condemns homosexuality more for being an instance of sexuality rather than its same-gender sex. Society is generally accepting of homosexuality as homosexuals are integrated into common everyday relationships.

Further, Buddhist influences can be detected in Thai arts, and architecture. Almost every Thai household has a special place with a miniature of the Buddhist Spirit House (or the House of Spirits), which is where the family conducting their daily rituals and religious ceremonies. Professional career artists are often hired to create topnotch Thai Spirit Houses that are often visibly staged in the key office and residential buildings and in notable business places.

Built on the Concept of Karma and Giving Alms
The Buddhist ideals of respect, and refrain from doing harm, hinge very much on the concept of Karma. Per Thailandculturecustom.org, Buddhism teaches that one’s life does not begin with birth and end with death. “It is a link in a chain of lives, each conditioned by acts (Karma) that were previously committed and that being committed. The concept of Karma, the law of cause and effect, suggests that selfishness and craving result in suffering. Thus by eliminating desire one can find peace and mind. The concept is called the Four Noble Truths. The key to living life is to have right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. The end result is enlightenment leading to nirvana.” As such Thais tend to be peaceful, generally happy, and even keeled in their everyday living as a way to build Karma. If one can suffer through this life, then there is always the next life during which he will be endowed with a better life situation.

Another way to make merit and build Karma is to give alms. Children and the adults can make merit by putting food in the bowls of Buddhist monks in the morning, readily seen more in countryside than in Bangkok. In the early morning, Buddhist monks hold their bowls and walk slowly and controllably along the roads. People will invite the monks to stop so as to offer food such as rice, and other things necessary for monks’ lives in the bowls. Other ways are to contribute to the construction projects of a monastery or taking part in Buddhist festivals and ceremonies such as temple fairs and celebrations.

A Tradition of Visiting Temples Regularly (but not required…)
In Thailand, a temple is much more than a place to worship, the ‘wat’ (temple) is the center of village life, serving as a school, orphanage, theatre, meeting hall, crematorium, youth club, playground – even sometimes a market, political center or restaurant. Although one’s behavior must always be respectful and polite in a temple, there is no feeling of remoteness or superiority in a Thai wat. In the wat, all aspects of the life and spirit, as well as the spirituality of the community it serves are considered equal. As such, Thais love to “make merit” with Buddha by donation religious objects to temples. These are always accepted. The richer the populace the more extensive and impressive the objects donated.