The Role of Buddhism in the Digital Age in Contemporary Thai Society

Abstract

This article aims to explore the role of Buddhism in the digital age in contemporary Thai society. In this era of rapid social, technological, and value transformation, facing rapid economic, social, and technological changes, Buddhism is Thailand's national religion and has long exerted a profound influence on the lives of Thais, including culture, traditions, education, and social ethics. Even in this era of globalization, where Thai society faces rapid changes in technology, the economy, and new values, Buddhism continues to play a role in fostering mental peace and promoting morality. However, religion also faces new challenges, such as declining faith among young people and misunderstandings of traditional teachings.

This descriptive and analytical article focuses on presenting structured data on the role of Buddhism in various aspects, including culture, lifestyle, education, technology, and faith in Thai society. It also analyzes challenges and approaches to preserving the essence of Buddhism in line with the times. The results of this article indicate that while Buddhism continues to exert cultural and psychological influence on the majority of Thai people, systematic development is necessary, including the appropriate use of technology, developing the quality of monks, organizing learning programs that are relevant to the new generation, and creating spaces for Dhamma practice that are consistent with the modern context, in order for Buddhism to continue to play a valuable and sustainable role in Thai society. This article presents both a qualitative study of the cultural and social roles of Buddhism in Thailand. This includes a critical analysis of the impact of technology and social change on the faith and practices of contemporary Thais, along with suggestions for promoting and developing religion appropriate for the context of the new generation.