RELIGION

Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais. 

The remainder of the population adheres to lslam, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths

all of which are allowed full freedom of expression. Buddhism continues to cast strong influence on daily life. Senior monks are highly revered. Thus, in towns and villages, the temple (wat) is the heart of social and religious life. Meditation, one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, is practiced regularly by numerous Thai as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. Visitors, too, can learn the fundamentals of this practice at several centres in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.
 

   Meditation Centres  
   Some temples and meditation centres in and near Bangkok :
   Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence ,
   Ratchapark Building 18/F,
   163 Sukhumvit Soi 21,
   Bangkok 10110.
   Tel : (662) 258-3242, (662) 258-3257

   House of Dhamma 
   26/9 Soi Chompol, Lardprao Soi 15, Bangkok 10900
   Tel : (662) 511-0439
   Fax : (662) 512-6083

   Thailand Meditation Center , The World Fellowship of Buddhist 
   616 Soi Methi Nivet (Sukhumvit 24)
   Bangkok 10110
   Tel : (662) 661-1284, to 1290

   Young Buddhist Association of Thailand 
   (For age 13-25 yrs.)
   58/8 Phetkasem 54 (Soi Thipniyom 2),
   Bangduan, Pha Si Charoen, Bangkok
   Tel : (662) 413-3131, (662) 413-1706,
   (662) 413-1958, (662) 805-0790 to 0794
   Fax : (662) 413-3131

   Buddhist Association of Thailand 
   41 Phra Athit Road Bangkok
   Tel : (662) 281-9563 - 4
   Fax : (662) 281-9563

   The International Buddhist Meditation Center (IBMC) 
   Wat Mahathat, Tha Phrachan
   Bangkok 10200
   Tel : (662) 222-2835, (662) 623-6325