Buddhism in Thailand

Thailand has a population of about 65 million with 95% Theravada Buddhist. There are reportedly some 35,000 monasteries and temples in the country and 400 just in Bangkok. Of course, with a population of 12 million, Bangkok should have a lot of monasteries.

I got to spend half a day touring a few of the temples in Bangkok. Apparently an early architect of Buddhist structures in Thailand made a trip to China and really liked some of their fancy architecture. He brought it back to Thailand and incorporated it in early Buddhist temples and that sort of set the standard and explains the familiar style of Thai Buddhist architecture and the many Chinese statuary at Thai temples.

Wat Phrachetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawiharn is quite a mouthful, so it is commonly known simply as Wat Pho.



These large stupas at Wat Pho hold the ashes of important Thai kings. As in Sri Lanka, there is a pretty close relationship between the monarchy and the Buddhist organizations in Thailand. At one monastery I saw a picture of the current king in monks robes when he was young and following the Thai tradition of young men taking temporary ordination - typically for 3 months. From my Thai guide it is clear there is great respect for the King and for his following Buddhist tradition.

Thai statues of the Buddha also tend to be pretty ornate, often making a lot of use of gold and a lot of color in dressing like the pedestal.

Wat-Tri Mit Wit Thayaram has a fine example of using perhaps a bit too much gold. At about 5 tons, this Buddha is the largest solid gold statue of the Buddha in the world. For

A nice feature of Wat Benchamabophit was this central marble courtyard ringed with statues of the Buddha from various periods and areas for lay people to interact with monks, either preparing their daily meal or chanting with them.