Thailand

Thai buddhism

Most Buddhists in Thailand are of the Theravada school. Thailand has the second largest Buddhist population in the world, after China and Buddhism in Thailand has also become integrated with folk religion as well as Chinese religions from the large Thai Chinese population. Buddhism is believed to have come to Thailand as early as 250 BC in the time of Indian Emperor Ashoka. Since then, Buddhism has played a significant role in Thai culture and society. Buddhist temples in Thailand are characterized by tall golden stupas, and the Buddhist architecture of is similar to that in Cambodia and Laos, with which Thailand shares cultural and historical heritage.