The history of Buddhism in Thailand

Buddhist monks probably spread Buddhism as early as 200 BC in the area that is called Thailand today. The spreading of Buddhism started a few centuries after the Buddha’s death in India. So, the history of Buddhism in Thailand goes back a long way.

The history of Buddhism in Southeast Asia

Of course, there were already people living in the historical region of Suvarnabhumi two millennia ago.
These people were not called Thai. In a region north of Thailand, today called Southeast China, lived people called Tai and they moved towards this new region Suvarnabhumi. Historians assume this way the Thai people slowly started to spread their culture and language. From the west missionaries from India travelled to the historical region converting the people to become Buddhists. Thailand is mainly influenced by Theravada Buddhism. Back then the people in India were Theravada Buddhists. Sri Lanka separated from India. And from Sri Lanka, across the ocean, people also travelled to Thailand during the centuries to gain adherents to Theravada Buddhism.

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Map of ancient Thailand

14th to 18th century

The history Of Buddhism starts around the fourteenth century with several kingdoms and fiefdoms merging into the newly formed kingdom of Ayudhya.
This city still exists nowadays under the name Ayutthaya and is located only forty miles north of Bangkok. During a period of four hundred years, several kings peacefully reigned in the kingdom creating positive circumstances for Buddhism to find more followers.

We will make a little jump on the timeline of Thai history.
At the end of the eighteenth century, the Thai-Chinese Taksin founded the Siamese kingdom of Thonburi which lasted only fifteen years. He became overthrown by one of his generals. But King Taksin is still revered by many Thai people. Especially by those who have Chinese descendence.
Unfortunately, because of the alleged theomania of King Taksin and because of local disturbances, one of his generals called Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Maharaj also known as Rama I, took over control.
This moment marks the beginning of the Chakri dynasty and the Chakri dynasty is still the ruling power over Thailand.

Buddhism during the Chakri Dynasty

With the Chakri dynasty in control, Bangkok became the capital of their kingdom. A positive remarkable fact is that the members of this royal family often had compelling religious desires. Particularly Rama IV, who ascended the throne being a Bhikkhu. He was also the king that made significant changes to Buddhism.
For instance, he stimulated the Dhammayut school. And he attached great importance to the rules from the Vinaya. Furthermore, the Theravada teachings became applied more strict in the monasteries. In general, the influence of folk religions diminished as much as possible. Also, the Bhikkus were expected to study more according to the Pali canon.

But at the same time, you see the influence of Western education increase under the Chakri dynasty during that period. This resulted in an improved military and political organization. A consequence of this is that the monastic orders improved too. Because they started to maintain an administration of monastic residents.
From that moment on, the new monasteries had to be recognized officially by the government. Thus, all these changes led to a more modern Buddhistic culture, since the mid-19th century. Therefore, people call this movement: Buddhist Modernism.

The book Nawakowat

You should know that there is an influential book. It is called Nawakowat and it becomes a standard at the hands of the Chakri Dynasty.
This spiritually prolific book is written by Prince Wachirayan. As a result, from that moment on, a stronger influence of these Thai Buddhist doctrinal studies starts to dominate. And it provided those interested with a textbook in their Thai script. And thus, from nineteen hundred and twenty-nine, the possibility arose for laypeople to take exams.
From the beginning of the twentieth century, a return to the Thai Forest Tradition arises. The Thai Forest Tradition was a return to more traditional ancient values with no influence from royals and elitists. To clarify, the evolvement of this Thai Forest Tradition mainly took place in the more rural eastern province of Isaan.

But even during the last century, not all parts of Thailand were Buddhist. So, Thai monks still visited hill tribes in remote mountain regions in the sixties. The purpose of these visits was to convert remote tribes to Buddhism.

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Buddhist Monk in Thailand

Buddhism in Thailand since the mid-20th century

In the last century, new Buddhist movements emerged in Thailand. The following five are noteworthy for you. 

Dhammadrops Foundation from Chiang Mai

Based on Vipanassa Buddhism from Burma likewise, followers adopted this fresh-minded style. The founder is Mahasi Sayadaw from Burma. Furthermore, the spiritual leader in Thailand is Phra Phimolatham. Along with the abbot of Wat Mahathat.

Thammayut order

Also known as the Thai forest tradition. Led by Somdet Phra Mahawirawong the emerging movement gained more popularity.

Wat Phra Dhammakaya

This new temple order has existed since the seventies. And perhaps the most remarkable is that you can follow meditations for calmness. Also known as Samatha Meditations. Besides, this temple is recognized by the king. You should know that Buddhist icons are used in a modern way in this new movement. It is good to realize, that this is Thailand’s biggest monastic community with millions of followers.
Dhammakaya emphasized significant values of modernity, prosperity and personal development. For this reason, Dhammakaya became interesting for the middle class during times of rapid cultural and social change. And this temple community is the driving force behind promoting improved knowledge of Buddhist ethics.

Shanti Ashoke

The Santi Ashoke cult is founded by the singer and TV personality: Phra Bodhirak. To be clear, Ashoke was an Indian emperor who lived several centuries after Buddha. At that time, Ashoke was responsible for the spread of Buddhism. Phra Bodhirak is the founder of this new movement. This leader is known as being rebellious because he repeatedly refused to respect the rules in the monastery he joined before. So, the Thai government sees the new cult as a criminal sect. For this reason, the leader and his followers received severe penalties.

Thailand famous for tradition

Thailand is a country with a rich history. It is wonderful to go on holiday and enjoy beautiful traditions. You still find ancient temples and monastic communities here.
You might even like to – temporarily – participate in a monastic community. If you like that, feel free to do so. Experience the traditional life of the monks in Thailand this way. Do it for a few days, a few months or even longer. Serve in the temple. Or walk barefoot through the streets of Thailand. Experience the humbleness of earthly existence in this way. These kinds of new experiences are transformative and liberating.
And it gives you a chance to fully immerse yourself in the spiritual Buddhist world.