History of Thai Buddhism (Origins)

Some scholars believe that Buddhism must

have been flowing into Thailand from India at the
time of the Indian emperor Ashoka of the Maurya
Empire. And then Buddhism developed into the first
millennium after Jesus Christ. During the 15th to 13th
centuries, Southeast Asian empires were influenced
directly from India and followed Mahayana Bud-
dhism. The first form of Buddhism introduced to
Thailand was that of Theravada(the doctrines of the
Elders). Theravada school is proved by various ar-
chaeological remains unearthed in the excavation at
Nakon Pathom near Bangkok such as Dhamma
Chakra(wheel of law). Therefore, Buddhism had
come to Thailand as early as 250 BCE(the 3rd century)
in the time of Indian emperor Ashoka. This form of
Buddhism was known as Theranada or Hinayana(the
lover vehicle). It is evident from the Mahavamsa, the
ancient chronicle of Ceylon. King Ashoka sent mis-
sionaries headed by Buddhist elders to as many as
nine territories. For Southeast Asia was known as Su-
vamnabhumi where the two Theras(elder monks),
Sona and Uttara.Since Buddhism has arrived to Thai-
land, Buddhism has played a significant role in Thai
culture and society. Buddhism and the Thai monar-
chy had become interconnected. Historically, the
Thai king had been seen as the main supporter of
Buddhism in Thailand.