Buddhism in Thailand
The World Buddhist University
Published in commemoration of the 4th General Meeting of the World Buddhist University Council at the Grand Blue Wave Hotel, Shah Alam, Selangor, D.E. Malaysia on 9-10 December B.E. 2545 (2002).
This current volume, Buddhism in Thailand, is published in commemoration of the 4th General Meeting of the
World Buddhist University Council – held at the Grand Blue Wave Hotel in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia from
9 to 11 December, 2002 – and is a revision and re-publication of an earlier volume published under the same
title by the World Fellowship of Buddhists in B.E. 2524 (1980 A.D.). This work presents facts and figures about
the current condition of Buddhism in Thailand, historical background sketches of the establishment and growth of
the Buddhist community in Thailand and information on Buddhist education in Thailand.
Buddha Dhamma was first pursued and took firm root in ancient Thailand during the Sukhothai period, the first
Thai kingdom. Today there are thousands of Buddhist structures, pagodas and temples scattered about in every
corner of the country. Buddhism is a religion of peace and is the religion of Thailand. Buddha Dhamma has played a profound role in forging the peaceful and tolerant nature of the Thai people. The Thai peoples’ now-famous smile, friendliness and relaxed attitude all attest to their underlying commitment to the teachings of the Buddha. The effect of Buddhism in Thailand is not only to be found in the personal and mental peace of its people but can also be seen in their pursuit of academia, careers, family life and so forth. The discipline of Buddhism teaches skill
in looking after one’s self and one’s community. This is what is pursued in Buddhist Thailand.
Thanks are due to H.E. Phan Wannamethee, President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, who kindly granted
permission for publishing this volume. It is hoped that the material presented in this book will provide the reader with a clear view of the role of Buddhism in Thailand.
Noranit Setabutr
Rector, World Buddhist University
