Buddhism

There are two types of Buddhist monks in Thailand, firstly, the orange robed monks called the Mahanikai and the red-brown robed monks called the Thammayut, who can eat just one meal a day before noon.
The Thammayut monks eat food only when someone offers it to them as a merit making event. They are not allowed to touch money.

        Buddhism first started with the teachings of King Siddhartha who lived in India around 2,500 years ago. Once he attained nirvana, he was re-christened as Buddha. The main teachings of Lord Buddha is that happiness does not come with luxurious life or hardships, people can prosper only when they move in between these two. He also taught five precepts namely do not to harm, do not steal, do not to lie, do not to drink alcohol, and having control over sexual desire. The Buddhists in Thailand and around the world, strictly follow all these five precepts of Lord Buddha.

     Buddhism was first brought to Thailand during the third century B.C. Once introduced into Thailand, people widely accepted Buddhism and its teaching. Gradually the religion gained permanent ground in the country. Buddhism was wide spread during the reign of the King Li Thai of Sukhothai. During his reign the great work of Buddhist literature the 'Tribhumikatha' came into existence. From then on Buddhism has played a major role in all the activities in Thailand and in the lives of Thai people. There are approximately 27,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand today. All the Buddhist holy days are declared public holidays by the Thai government so that people can spend more time in performing religious and spiritual activities.