Theravada Buddhism is the professed religion of more than 90% of all Thais,
and casts strong influences on daily life.

Buddhism first appeared in Thailand during the 3rd Century B.C. at Nakhon
Pathom, site of the world's tallest Buddhist monument, after the Indian
Buddhist Emperor Asoka (267-227 B.C.) despatched missionaries to Southeast
Asia to propagate the newly established faith.

Besides moulding morality, providing social cohesion and offering spiritual
succour, Buddhism provided incomparable artistic impetus. In common with
medieval European cathedrals, Thailand's innumerable multiroofed temples
inspired major artistic creation.

Another reason for Buddhism's strength is that there are few Thai Buddhist
families in which at least one male member has not studied the Buddha's
teachings in a monastery. It has long been a custom for Buddhist males over
twenty, once in their lifetimes, to be ordained for a period ranging from s days
to a months. This usually occurs daring the annual Rains Retreat, a a-month
period during the Rains Season when all monks forego travel and stay inside
their monasteries.

Besides sustaining monastic communities, Thai temples have traditionally
served other purposes - as the village hostelry, village news, employment
and information agency, a school, hospital, dispensary and community centre
- to give them vital roles in Thai society.

The Thais have always subscribed to the ideal of religious freedom.
Thus sizeable minorities of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs freely
pursue their respective faiths.

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