Religion
    Thailand is considered a Theravada (also known as Hinayana) Buddhist country in contrast to Japan, Korea and Tibet that are Mahayana. The Hinayana teachings came from Sri Lanka and emphasize the escape from the cycle of death and rebirth by making merit and living a proper life. Hinayana is referred to as "the lesser vehicle" since the focus is on personal enlightenment. In contrast Mahayana is known as "the greater vehicle" since the focus is on helping others achieve enlightenment.
    Hinduism spread to Thailand via Cambodia during the Funan Empire in the 1st century AD. At the time, Cambodia was an important link in the China - India trade route. The Chenla Empire gradually came to replace the Funan Empire and by the 6th century it was dominant. It continued to embrace Hinduism as the state religion. This empire lasted 200 years until 802. Around 800 AD, work was started on what was to become Angkor Wat, constructed by the most famous of the Cambodian empires, the Khmer. The Khmer Empire with their Hindu inspired beliefs ruled over Cambodia as well as most of what is now Central and Northeastern Thailand for 400 years. During this time numerous temples were constructed in Khmer style including some of those at Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi and Lopburi. One of the things that eventually led to the downfall of the power of the Khmer kings was the spread of Buddhism and the kings overspending on their armies and magnificent structures.
     In addition to the ruins of past empires, there are thousands of "Wats" or temples all over the country and monks wearing orange are a common site. The Wats are brightly decorated and most often house a large Buddha image. Interestingly, Buddha's teachings forbade image worship and traditionally the symbol that honored his teachings was a footprint. One of the most holy footsteps is in Saraburi Province in Phra Phutthabat.
    Although few Thais recognize it, the Thai version of Buddhism is a combination of Hinduism, Buddhism and animism, which is a belief in spirits. Ghosts, fortune tellers and ancestor worship are a common part of what Thais believe is Buddhism. Most houses have a small shrine where food, drink and incense is offered daily to appease the guardian spirit of the land. When a house is bought or sold the shrine is usually replaced with a ceremony led by a Brahmin priest.
    It is common for Thai people to visit an astrologer or fortune teller to get advice before an important decision is made. Old houses, forests and other places are believed to hold a fair number of "phi" or ghosts, especially a house in which someone has died. Many older men in the countryside will have tattoos, a Hindu custom which supposedly protects them from evil forces. A young man will shave his heads and eyebrows and spend at least a week or two as a monk to gain merit for his family and as a right of passage showing he is ready for marriage. Monks are also consulted with to predict lottery ticket numbers, for faith healing, to bless a new house and to buy magical charms.
    One of the biggest problems Thailand is facing is that the media is frequently exposing corrupt monks - those who sleep with women, collect wealth or take part in something else unbecoming of a monk. For this reason, the "sanga" or brotherhood of monks is in a state of decline and Buddhism is not nearly as respected by the youths as it once was. Almost every home has a TV and it is hard to teach the value of non-materialism to those flooded by a constant message of excess consumption.