Thai Reglion and Culture - Contact Information

Thai Reglion and Culture - Contact Information

The teeming city of Bangkok is an eclectic mixture of the old and the new, the ancient and the modern. The city is a crossroads for people of different regions, nations and even continents. Yet Bangkok’s cultural identity is as strong as ever, closely linked to the national pillars which have prevailed since ancient times—Buddhism, monarchy and nationhood, the unique characteristics that make up ‘Thainess’.

The religion practiced my most people in Bangkok is Buddhism, a way of living based on the Tripitaka, an ancient Pali script of the Lord Buddha’s teachings. Religion, along with monarchy and nationhood, is regarded as one of the three strengths of the nation, and is represented on the Thai flag by the color white.

Buddhism practiced in Thailand incorporates elements of Hinduism, Brahmanism and Mahayana Buddhism. Belief in astrology and superstition is also widespread. Buddhists believe in a cycle of death and reincarnation in which each life has a direct influence on the next. Buddhists may escape this cycle only by achieving enlightenment or ‘nirvana’, by following a code of morals, meditation and ultimately achieving wisdom.

Other religions are well represented in Bangkok, with churches, mosques and Jewish services. The principal centers of worship and religious organizations are listed below:

Buddhist Association of Thailand

41 Phra Athit Road

Tel: +66 2 281 9563

The World Fellowship of Buddhists

33 Sukhumvit Road

Tel: +66 2 251 1180 to 90

Young Buddhist Association of Thailand

58/8 (Soi Thipniyom 2) Phetkasem 54, Bangduan, Phasi Charoen

Tel: +66 2 413 3131, 413 1706, 413 1958

Christ Church (Protestant)

11 Convent Rd, Bangkok

Tel: +66 2 234 3634

Darool Aman Mosque

Phetchaburi Road (near Ratchtevi junction)

Haroon Mosque

Off Charoen Krung Rd, Bangkok

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

123/19 Soi Ruam Rudi, Wireless Rd, Bangkok

Tel: +66 2 256 6305, 256 6578

International Church

67 Soi 19, Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok

Tel: +66 2 253 3353

Jewish Community Center

121 Soi Sainamthip 2, Soi 22, Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok

Tel: +66 2 258 2195

Wipassana Buddhist Meditation Center

Wat Mahatat, 3 Maharaj Rd, Bangkok

Tel: +66 2 222 6011