There is no official religion in Thailand. The country’s people can enjoy the freedom of religion and other religious privileges. However, the primary faith in Thailand is Buddhism since most of the population of Thailand, i.e., H. 95%, is deeply affiliated with the Theravada religion. The second largest religion in Thailand is Islam, with almost 4.6% of the remaining population. The other religions make up a tiny part of the distribution, Christianity makes up 0.7%, and Hinduism, Sikh, Jews, etc., together make up only 1%.
Buddhism in Thailand
Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, accounting for 95% of the population. Buddhism was first practiced in 250 BC and introduced into Thailand. C. has since been a large part of Thailand and the Thai-Chinese Buddhist religion. This religion is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha. The first form of Buddhism introduced in Thailand came from the Theravada school (the teachings of the ancients) and was propagated by Emperor Ashoka. Buddhist temples and monasteries in Thailand are a place to visit.
Monasteries like Wat Sriboonruang in Sansai, Wat Marp Jan in Rayong, Wat Suan Mokkh, Wat Mahathat, etc., are the “temple of relics” where one can learn the principles of Buddhism and Vipassana and explore the life of a monk.
Monks in Thailand
In Thailand, there are about 200,000 monks and 85,000 novices, newcomers who have entered the religious order, mainly within a year. You can stay as a monk as long as you want, even for a day or your whole life. There are more than 29,000 temples in Thailand where monks go about their daily routines. The Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, or Sangharaja, the head of the Buddhist monastic order, is the highest Buddhist dignitary in the kingdom, elected by the king in consultation with the government. The monks show extreme commitment to their social and spiritual work.
When a monk is ordained, it is believed that he is reborn to a new life and his past no longer matters. Every man in Thailand must become a monk before the age of 20 to receive good karma.
Islam in Thailand
Islam is the second largest religion in Thailand, with a population of around 4%, i.e., H. about 6 million people, and the most significant practicing religious minority in Thailand. The Muslim population in Thailand is highly diverse, with adherents from China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Most people are ethnic Malays and Thai-Malays who have accepted the Thai language and culture and are intermarried with Thais. 99% of Muslims belong to the Sunni group occupying Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces, while the rest belong to the Shia Islamic group. There is also the Central Islamic Council of Thailand, which consists of at least five appointed councilors for the king.
The Islamic faith follows the Sufi religion, as observed in other Asian countries. Thailand has more than 3,000 mosques; the most famous are the 300-year-old Years Mosque in Narathiwat, Al Falah Mosque in Lampang, Al Isra Mosque in Mae Hong Son, Attaqwa Mosque in Chiang Mai, etc. Yala Province’s central Mosque is Thailand’s most magnificent. There are also several Islamic schools, banks, shops, and other institutions. The Thai government funds Islamic educational centres, builds mosques, and sends pilgrims to Mecca.
