A Model for the Promotion and Treatment Towards Religions in Thailand and Singapore

Abstract

The Purposes of this research were 1) to study a model for the promotion and treatment towards religions in Thailand and Singapore; 2) to study a model for the promotion and treatment towards the state religions in Thailand; and 3) to present an appropriate model for promoting the treatment towards the state religions on a case study of Singapore to Thailand. This was a qualitative research by means of studying documents and in-depth interviews with the representatives of religious organizations and government sectors, in a total of 12 persons. From the study, it was found as follows: 1. The Singapore government treats religious organizations separately but both function in parallel, with the government completing its functions, while religious organizations have to follow the principles of each religion. If there is any conflict or problem within the religion, the government will quickly resolve it. However, the government still controls the religious organizations in some necessary cases but it will be done in a constructive and polite manner. The government also approves the programs on religious studies that contribute to the country’s development; 2. The Thai government treats religions through law and provides a budget to support the activities of religious organizations according to their needs and the types of activity that are agreed by the government. The government also controls the religious organizations through various laws; and 3. A model that the Thai government should use to treat religions through a comparative analysis with Singapore consists of two approaches, namely, 1) a constructive control emphasizing prevention and resolution of religious problems in a quick and polite manner rather than enforcing harsh repressive laws and 2) the enhancement of religious promotion activities that are already carried out by the government for a concrete and worthwhile result.