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Religion is the moral pillar of every society and in Thailand immense value is attached to it. Majority of the people living in Thailand practice Hinayana Buddhism or Theravada Buddhism and they form about 94% of the total population of Thailand. Among the remaining 6% of the population, 3.9% are Muslims, 1.7% are Confucianists and 0.65% are Christians. Buddhism, however, is the national religion of Thailand. Buddhism: Buddhism has also shaped much of Thailand's culture. The early Thai architecture, literature, sculpture all reveal Buddhist influence. It had been a Thai tradition that Buddhist males above 20 yrs of age must practice at least 3 months of monk hood after which they could retreat to their normal lives. The Buddhist monks are treated with utmost respect throughout the country. The monks drape themselves with saffron colored robes. Golden stupas and steeply sloping roofs characterize The Buddhist temples. They also serve as the hub of important social activities. Most of them are situated in the countryside. Muslims:
The Muslims in Thailand are mostly Sunnis. The country allows its minority to practice the religion of their choice. The king attends the important Muslim religious festivals and those in the service of the government are allowed leaves on special religious events. There are about 2000 mosques and 200 Muslim schools in Thailand. Christianity: This religion was introduced in Thailand during the 16th and 17th centuries and has played an important part in the country's progress. It was the Christians who introduced surgery, smallpox vaccinations and also trained the doctors in western medicine. Confucianism: It is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system based on the teachings of Confucius who was a Chinese sage. This is practiced by a minority of the Thai people. Hindus and the Sikhs: The Hindus have their own religious shrines and also operate separate schools where they teach Sanskrit to the students. The Sikhs in Thailand perform many charitable functions such providing free school for the poor children and also aiding the aged. Though Buddhism is the principal religion of Thailand and the king also belongs to that same religion, Thailand allows everyone to practice their own individual religions at their own free wills.
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