PROMOTING BUDDHIST AND CULTURAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THAILAND AND JAPAN

Abstract

This research, entitled aimed to: (1) study the historical background of Buddhist and cultural relations between Thailand and Japan; (2) investigate the roles of Thai Dhammaduta monks in promoting cultural relations in Japan; and (3) analyze Thai Buddhist and cultural relations in Japan. This qualitative study employed documentary research and in-depth interviews. Fifteen key informants were purposively selected, including the President of the Thai Buddhist Monks Assembly in Japan, abbots of Thai temples in Japan, administrators responsible for overseas Dhammaduta monks, a representative of the National Office of Buddhism, and Japanese Buddhist monks. The data were analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively.

The research findings revealed that:

1) Thai–Japanese Buddhist and cultural relations have developed for more than 600 years. They originated from maritime trade and Japanese settlements during the Ayutthaya period and subsequently expanded into royal, religious, and institutional relations. Significant evidence includes the royal bestowal of the Buddha’s relics during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, which led to the establishment of Nittai-ji Temple in Nagoya, as well as cooperation between Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and Buddhist organizations in Japan. 2) Thai Dhammaduta monks serve as Buddhist missionaries, cultural ambassadors, and social partners. Their major roles include providing intellectual and spiritual guidance, facilitating cultural exchange, and creating psychologically safe spaces. Their propagation approach is represented by the “3S Model”: Sonthana (dialogue), Sati (mindfulness), and Sunthariya (aesthetics). This approach is implemented alongside respect for Japanese laws and customs, proactive use of digital media, and the development of cross-sectarian networks. 3) Thai Buddhist and cultural relations in Japan reflect an integration of Thai Theravada Buddhism with Japanese Mahayana and Zen traditions through insight meditation, compassion, Buddhist arts, and deep listening. These findings led to a Buddhist diplomacy model that connects historical, religious, cultural, institutional, and people-to-people capital. This integrated model contributes to mutual understanding, trust, cooperation, and the sustainable promotion of peaceful relations between Thailand and Japan.