The nation’s official religion manifests itself in many aspects of daily life in Thailand, from the gaudy temples that grace tourist brochures, to small spirit houses where shopkeepers might make morning merit. In fact Thailand has the largest Buddhist population in the world and certainly piously practices its traditions, even in the modern metropolis of Bangkok.

The site of bare-footed monks making early morning alms rounds, or hotel staff giving an impromptu wai of respect as they pass a Buddhist icon, all adds to the charm of visiting Thailand. In fact the concept of merit making, appeasement of spirits and prospect of eventual re-incarnation strictly govern the lives of 90 per cent of Thais. Deep seated beliefs, superstitious, traditional or otherwise, have a profound affect on the cultural behaviour in Thailand.

Buddhism in Brief
Like other major religions, Buddhism is based on the teachings and insights of a prophet, Prince Siddhartha Shakyamuni, a North Indian nobleman who embarked on a life of austerity and meditation to find the true answers to life and its suffering. As a young adult, some 2,500 years ago, he is said to have attained a state of Nirvana through meditation, whereby he was able to understand the true nature of suffering and the universe, and realise the concept of re-incarnation.

From that point on he became known as Gautama Buddha (The enlightened one) and gained a following as he spent the next 40 years teaching his philosophy. It is based on Four Nobel Truths loosely translated as follows;

• There is suffering
• The suffering has a cause in which we some responsibility
• There is an eventual end to suffering
• The suffering can be ended by following the Dharma.

The dharma refers to the pious Buddhist life and is based on an eightfold path which meditates on;

1. Right Understanding
2. Right Thought
3. Right Speech
4. Right Conduct
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Attention
8. Right Concentration.

Although all Thais attend their local, or a prestigious, temple to make merit regularly and receive wisdom from monks, they are as human as the rest of us and tend to overlook these demands, resorting to the superficial routines of traditional Buddhism.

However, chanting monks and the enactment of rituals are widely employed for everything from weddings to blessing a new vehicle, as well as all state and royal functions. Respect for the monkhood and sanctity of Buddhist property is high among all Thais, and strictly enforced by state.
 

Non-the-less Buddhism is responsible for the agreable and soft nature of Thais, tempering their public behaviour and instilling in them a deep respect for family and religion, regardless of who they are.