BUDDHIST CULTURE IN THAILAND

Abstract

Thailand is a multicultural country and there are numerous ethnic groups and religions in the country. Despite of their diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious background along with rapid progress in technology and communication system under the globalization era; Thai people still retain their traditions, culture and belief. Thai art and culture have been held and preserved by many generations of Thai people and Thais still take pride in their art and culture (Thai Art and Culture, Publisher Ministry of Culture,2008). Before Buddhism came to Thailand, people believed in supernatural things who were guardian of that area known in Thai “Chouthi” in Mon “Peachu”. Mon people worshipped their ancestors and the nature as the spirits who give them the benefits such as bamboo, turtles, chicken, horse elephant, etc. They built a small house called “Spirit House” and kept worshipful idols. Some people who worshipped turtles when they saw turtles. They had to kill them and ate them. The Buddhism came to Thailand and was adapted and became their way.