Buddhism and the Development of Thai Society

Abstract

In ancient times, Thai society regarded Buddhist monks as an integral part of the nation’s principal institutions, namely the institution of Buddhism, which has long been recognized and deeply revered by the Thai people. This is because monks have played a significant role in the daily lives of local communities. A retrospective view of the past reveals that whenever villagers encountered problems or experienced suffering, whether physical or psychological, they would go to temples to seek advice from monks and to express their distress. In this regard, the roles and responsibilities of Buddhist monks enabled them to provide assistance to villagers in almost all aspects of life.  In the past, temples and Buddhist monks functioned as multifaceted pillars of society, serving as teachers who provided literacy education, moral training, and vocational instruction. They also cared for villagers who were ill, mediated disputes within communities, offered support to the elderly and orphaned children, and fulfilled many other social responsibilities. Moreover, they acted as agricultural advisors by providing guidance on crop cultivation and animal husbandry, as well as offering training in various occupations to local communities. Although these responsibilities are not explicitly prescribed in Buddhist doctrine, they have played a significant role in supporting villagers and local communities, roles that Buddhist monks have continuously fulfilled over a long period of time in Thai society.