The Roles of Buddhism for Supporting Thai Community in Thailand

Abstract

Buddhism has separated to Mahayana Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, and Vajrayana Buddhism. In Thailand, Theravada Buddhism has a long history before 5 B.C. and Buddhist people are majority of Thai population. Buddhism has gathered with three jewels as Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. These jewels support Buddhist people and Thai community with the positive outcomes. Buddhist people have respected three jewels and practiced Dhamma for improving their attitudes. Buddhism can be applied to support Thai community in many levels. The roles of Buddhism have always supported Thai community. For example, Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu conserves environment, eradicates poverty, and brings the well-being for Thai people and community by socially responsible activities; Phradhamsiddhimongkhol (Chin Chotiko) suggests to use loving-kindness for resolving all conflict in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat Provinces; Local Governmental Organizations (LGOs) focus on the good governance which is applied from the Buddhist perspective into their organizations. Therefore, Buddhism has impacted for supporting Thai community through various ways.