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กำลังโหลด
กำลังโหลด
วัดและพุทธศาสนา
Essential Buddhist terms, temple etiquette, Thai holidays, and merit-making (ทำบุญ) vocabulary.
About 95% of Thais are Buddhist. Buddhism permeates daily life, language, and social customs. Understanding basic terms helps you navigate Thai culture.
วัด
wát -- Temple
พระพุทธเจ้า
prá pút-tá-jâo -- The Buddha
พระสงฆ์
prá sǒng -- Monk(s) / Sangha
สวดมนต์
sùuat mon -- To chant / recite prayers
ทำบุญ
tam bun -- To make merit
กรรม
gam -- Karma
Merit-making is a central part of Thai Buddhist life. Common ways include giving food to monks in the morning, donating to temples, and releasing animals. Many Thais believe these acts improve their karma.
What does ทำบุญ (tham bun) mean?
Visiting Thai temples is a wonderful experience, but there are important rules to follow to show respect.
ถอดรองเท้า
tɔ̀ɔt rɔɔng táo -- Remove shoes
แต่งกายสุภาพ
dtɛ̀ɛng gaai sù-pâap -- Dress appropriately
กราบ
gràap -- To prostrate (bow touching floor)
ดอกบัว
dɔ̀ɔk buua -- Lotus flower (offering)
ธูป
tûup -- Incense
In Thai culture, feet are the lowest part of the body, both literally and spiritually. Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk. When sitting in a temple, tuck your feet behind you.
Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Many popular temples provide cover-ups, but it's better to come prepared.
Thailand's calendar is punctuated by Buddhist holidays, many of which affect daily life (including alcohol sales).
วันวิสาขบูชา
wan wí-sǎa-kà-buu-chaa -- Visakha Bucha Day (Buddha's birthday)
วันเข้าพรรษา
wan kâo pan-sǎa -- Buddhist Lent (start of rain retreat)
วันมาฆบูชา
wan maa-ká-buu-chaa -- Makha Bucha Day
วันพระ
wan prá -- Holy day (lunar sabbath)
Alcohol sales are banned on major Buddhist holidays and on วันพระ (lunar sabbath days). This includes bars and convenience stores. Check the calendar before planning a night out!