It is often said that Buddhism and politics are inextricably linked in Thailand. But is that really so? In a number of contributions for Thailand blog I look for how both have related to each other over time and what the current power relations are and how they should be interpreted.
How do you give alms to a Thai monk?
It is always a special sight, Thai monks who color the streets in the early morning. They leave the temple in search of food and depend on what they receive from the population.
Today is 'Visakha Bucha Day' in Thailand. It is one of the most important days in Buddhism, because three important events in the life of the Buddha took place on this day, namely birth, enlightenment and death. It's bad luck for bar hangers, booze organs, walkers and other enthusiasts of mind-altering substances: the sale of alcohol is prohibited on this day.
The Fairy Tale of Princess Manorah
Once upon a time there was a Thai princess named Manorah Kinnaree. She was the youngest of 7 Kinnaree daughters of King Parathum and Queen Jantakinnaree. They lived in the mythical kingdom of Mount Grairat.
What did the Buddha say when a man told him he had meditated for 25 years to walk on water? Why did he eat with a prostitute and not with a Hindu priest?
The Four Buddhist Holidays in Thailand
Buddhism has four holidays, which fall on a different day each year. Tino Kuis explains how they originated and what their meaning is.
Who was the Buddha?
Who was the Buddha? 'I see the Buddha as a wandering monk for 40 years, charismatic and wise, but also with all other human qualities', writes Tino Kuis. Maybe even a revolutionary.
Agenda: Makha Bucha on Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Tomorrow, February 16, 2022, the Buddhist day Makha Bucha will be celebrated and that day is a national holiday in Thailand, so the government offices including immigration are closed.
Thai Buddhist rituals and influencing your karma
Those who visit Thailand will certainly have seen a temple from the inside. What immediately stands out is the geniality. No binding protocols and no straitjacket that determines what is and what is not allowed.
It divided Thai Buddhism and its connection with the State
Every tourist brochure about Thailand shows a temple or a monk with a begging bowl and a text that praises Buddhism as a beautiful and peaceful religion. That may be (or not), but it does not affect how divided Buddhism is in Thailand at the moment. This article describes the different denominations in Thai Buddhism, and their connection with the State.
The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew
The most sacred Buddha statue in Thailand is the Emerald Buddha. The statue can be admired in the central ubosoth of Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
Mahachat, the 'Great Birth', and its celebration
Mahachat, the penultimate birth of the Buddha, is the story of the generosity of Prince Wetsadorn Chadok (usually called Prince or Phra Wet for short) who gives away everything, even his children and his wife in the end. The adventures of Chuchok, an old rich beggar with a beautiful young woman is part of this story.
The Decline of Village Buddhism
Tino Kuis describes how the practice of Buddhism changed in the first fifty years of the 20th century. These changes coincided with Bangkok's efforts to extend its authority over the whole of Thailand.
The “Naga” fireballs
Towards the end of Vassa, the annual Buddhist celebration of the end of the rainy season, a mysterious phenomenon occurs on the mighty Mekong River in Nong Khai province.
Welcome to Hell
The Wat Wang Saen Suk Hell Garden is a Buddhist iconography of hell and the underworld. “Welcome To Hell”
Some rules of conduct for visiting Thai temples
Thailand's temples and other sacred sites are beautiful to visit, oases of tranquility, rich in historical and religious significance. They are respected by the Thai people. Tourists are welcome, but they are expected to abide by a number of rules.
Mea Nang Kwak, patron saint of commerce and business in Thailand
Mae Nang Kwak, this legendary woman has become the symbol of prosperity and happiness. You often find an image or a sculpture of her in or near a spirit house of a shop or company.