Beliefs and religions in Thailand

Religion and belief remain very important topics for Thais. They form the fundamental basis of custom and tradition. Siamese people are more conservative and stricter when it comes to local religion and beliefs. However, thanks to religious freedom, there is great tolerance for foreign religions. Theravada Buddhism, which is the most dominant religion, coexists harmoniously with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and belief in spirits.

Buddhism

Most Thais practice Theravada Buddhism. It is a very ancient form of Buddhism based on respect for every living being. According to Buddhist teachings, every living being is unique and deserves to live. Its ideology is formed from five ideas, including the obligation not to kill, steal, commit adultery, lie, or consume alcohol.

Theravada Buddhism animates Thai tradition and customs as it greatly influences their daily lives. Some Buddhist rules are often practiced in everyday life, such as removing shoes or not touching someone's head. From a young age, boys are often sent to a monastery at least once to study the teachings of Buddha. Days celebrating certain Buddhist events or ceremonies are declared public holidays. Devout Buddhists then visit temples to pay homage to Buddha or give offerings to monks.

During your stay in Thailand, you can learn the art of meditation, one of the foundations of Buddhist religion. In major cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, some Buddhist schools or temples offer rare opportunities to engage with monks and learn the fundamental principles of this art. The Land of Smiles is full of temples, monasteries, or sacred Buddhist sites.

Islam

Comprising 4% of the population, Islam is the second religion in Thailand. The Kingdom of Siam is part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Most Thai Muslims, predominantly Sunni, live in the southern provinces near the border with Malaysia, such as Yala, Pattani, or Narathiwat. Large cities like Bangkok also have a significant Muslim population and host several mosques.

Christianity

Thai Christians represent only 1% of the Thai population. In major Thai cities like Bangkok, you can find several Catholic churches. Religious services and worship are sometimes conducted in English, French, or German. The religious freedom in this country allows Christians from other Asian countries to find refuge here against persecution towards Christians in their own countries.

Hinduism

The history of Hinduism in Thailand dates back millennia, starting with the Indianization of Southeast Asia and the invasion of the Dvaravati civilization. Several monuments in the regions of Buriram, Aranyaprathet, or Lopburi, whether in ruins or still standing, testify to this fascinating relationship. Additionally, Thailand still maintains as its national emblem the Phra Khrut Pha, a mount of Garuda, a Vishnu god in Hindu mythology. This figure appears on almost all official documents published by the government, as well as on passports and banknotes. Today, Hindu practitioners in Thailand represent only 1% of the population.

Animism

Animism is defined as the belief in a vital force that animates human beings. It is one of the oldest beliefs in Thailand. While other religions are gradually introduced into the kingdom, this belief continues to have a strong influence on the lives of Thais, although it is practiced less and less.

It is customary for Thais to mix the region with their belief in spirits. Even if they practice other religions, such as Buddhism or Christianity, they reserve a "spirit house" outside their homes to drive away evil spirits.

Superstitions

Superstitions hold an important place in Thailand. Decision-making, even for high-ranking figures in the kingdom, depends on astrology, spells, and superstitious beliefs. Astrology and the supernatural have a great influence on the daily lives of Thais, including monks and military personnel. They believe in the power of black magic. Thais also have the habit of consulting a monk or astrologer to determine the wedding date, the appropriate day to start building a house, or even to define their child's name.