Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Thai society's religious diversity celebrated through landmarks, festivals
Life, Patrapa Premjit and Nattakorn Takam, Published on 15/05/2025
» Although Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand, the country is home to people of various faiths, resulting in a society rich in beliefs, ways of life and religious art that reflect cultural and religious pluralism.
Respect the robe
Life, Patcharawalai Sanyanusin, Published on 13/06/2022
» Late last month, Sipboworn Kaewngam, director of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB), warned people about what they should and shouldn't do to monks who misbehaved.
Buddhism's future called into question
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 30/05/2022
» 'Many of the new generation do not believe in Buddhism because of some monks' inappropriate conduct."
Remembering the history that some want forgotten
Life, Chris Baker, Published on 11/03/2022
» Royalist history paints 1932 as a coup by a self-interested clique which thwarted King Prajadhipok's wish to introduce a constitution and led Thailand to militarism and fascism. In 2017, the plaque commemorating 1932 was ripped out of the Royal Plaza -- symbolising the wish to cancel all memory of the event. Democratic history claims 1932 as a revolution which launched Thailand towards democracy and a modern society in which the majority can participate and benefit. In 2020 the youth activists reinstalled the plaque in cyberspace and called themselves the New People's Party. The event matters, one way or the other, down to today.
Less comedy, more dhamma
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 20/09/2021
» A couple of weeks ago, two well-known monks -- Phra Maha Sompong Talaputto and Phra Maha Praiwan Worawano -- held a livestream talk show on social media that attracted 200,000 viewers. The chat led to several debates between their supporters and opponents since it was different from typical dhamma talks or dhamma preaching. The two monks used several teenage slang expressions and joked with their viewers who commented via the live chat. While Phra Maha Sompong focused on delivering his own jokes like a standup comedian, Phra Maha Praiwan, who knew many teenage expressions, giggled uncontrollably throughout the show. He was criticised for not being not calm or having self-control as a monk should.
A stroll down history lane
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 15/07/2021
» Bangkok is once again under strict disease control measures and residents continue to work from home to curb virus transmissions. Although restaurants, supermarkets, public parks and convenience stores are required to close at 8pm, families still have some recreational options available on the weekend.
Crisis of faith within Buddhism?
Life, Patcharawalai Sanyanusin, Published on 30/07/2018
» Our monastic community has long been a spiritual shelter for Thai society, with our Buddhist monks long held in high regard.
Pitfalls on the path toward enlightenment
Life, Patcharawalai Sanyanusin, Published on 18/06/2018
» Money is a tantalising thing, coveted by many. But worldly goods can pose a threat to those who are called to a higher order. The seven ex-monks from three famous Bangkok temples who were in the media limelight over the weeks are no exception.
Leaving Taipei behind
Life, Story and photos: Peerawat Jariyasombat, Published on 01/03/2018
» Leave the crowded city of Taipei behind, you will find that the northeast of Taiwan is not too small for your exploration.