FROM TEMPLE TO DIGITAL REALM: DEVELOPMENT OF PALI LANGUAGE IN THAI SOCIAL MEDIA

Abstract

The objective of this academic article is to study the development of the Pali language in Thai social media, from its initial use in Buddhist circles and ancient literature to its widespread presence in today's digital world. The researcher employed qualitative analysis methods using historical evidence and case studies from Thai social media. The results showed that Pali language has been part of Thai society since the Sukhothai period, used in religious ceremonies and scriptures. Later, it played an increasing role in literature, Jataka tales, and chanting, becoming an integral part of Thai Buddhist culture. In the digital age, there is growing use of Pali via social media for studying Dhamma, interaction, asserting Buddhist identity, and preserving linguistic heritage. This represents an interesting evolution of Pali from temples to the online realm in contemporary Thailand.