Buddhism in Thailand

Religion and faith are deeply rooted in Thai society. Together, they form the foundations of Thai customs and traditions. There’s a strong sense of religious tolerance, and multiple faiths are practised here. 95% of the population follow Buddhism, the dominant religion, 4% of the country follow Islam, and 1% identify with other beliefs. Over time, Buddhism has branched into four sub-categories, but the Theravāda school remains the most followed. This is an ancient branch of Buddhism emphasising respect and the sanctity of life for all living beings. Theravāda monks teach five core principles: do not kill, do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not lie, and do not consume alcohol. There are also other customs that shape everyday life, such as taking your shoes off before entering a sacred site, or avoiding touching someone’s head. During religious festivals throughout the year, Buddhist communities move from temple to temple, paying tribute to the Buddha and making offerings.