Buddhism
The predominant religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism. It is the state religion practiced by approximately 92 percent of all Thais. Regular attendance at the temples is important for a very large proportion of the population and on festival days the temples will be crowded with visitors.
Practically all Thai men, once they reach the age of 20, enter the moonkhood for periods from 5 days up to three months to study the teachings of the Lord Buddha. Some will stay on in the monkhood for the rest of their lives. The orange robes of the monks are frequently seen in Thailand, especially in the early mornings, when the monks walk barefoot from house to house seeking alms from the Buddhist faithful.
The monkhood educates men in the tenets of religion and also allows them to make merit to atone for their sins. Although there are no ordained nuns, some Thai women will shave their heads, wear white robes and live in secluded parts of the manastry to meditate. They are, however, unable to preach or officiate at ceromonies as monks do.
Buddhism first appeared in Thailand in the 3rd Century BC at Nakhon Pathom, which is now the site of the world's tallest Buddhist monument, following the arrival of missionaries from the Indian Buddhist Emperor Asoka (227 - 267 BC). The Thai people count their years from the Enlightenment of the Buddha, as a result the year 1999 AD is 2543 BE and while the roman calendar is used for many purposes, you will occasionally find the Thai Buddhist year used.
Wats - the ThaiTemples
The Thai temples are traditionally referred to as Wats. There are literally thousands of wats in Thailand, serving as a centre for not only spiritual but alsosocial life. It is certainly not unusual for parties to be held in the temples and, on festival days, loud music can be hear blaring out from loudspeakers as the people meet at the temple to talk, eat and dring, while the children play in the grounds.
Traditionally, a wat is a large walled compound containing several buildings, including the bot (or hall) where the monks are ordained and a viharn where sermans are delivered. There may also be a bell tower as well as a stupa (or chedi in Thai) containing the ashes of wealthy donors. Some may also contain a place for cremations, which can be identified by the tall chimney rising above the surrounding buildings.
Other Religions
Thais are free to practice any religion and in addition to the Buddhist population there are approximately 6 percent of Thai Muslims (mainly inthe south) and 2 percent Thai Christians. There are also significant numbers of Hindus and Sikhs.
Updated 3rd May 1999