CONTEMPORARY FAMILIES IN THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND: Where Ancient Buddhist Precepts Meet Modern Society

This chapter focuses on the research available in the Kingdom of Thailand in the context of the principles of ancient Thai Theravada Buddhism. It argues that while modern technological advancements are influencing parenting of Thai children who have advantages, the vast majority of Thai parenting is traditional and to a great extent, unchanged. Thailand today developed with ancient Buddhist principles of morality, conduct, and compassion lending guidance for family life; but Thailand is not just a Buddhist culture, it is Theravada Buddhist and, in many ways, unique unto itself. In modern Thailand, especially in urban areas, Thai families are becoming smaller; however, the social system, especially in rural areas, still assumes children will grow up to support their aged parents. The chapter discusses on a great deal of political discord, protest confrontations, challenging authority, and even violence occurring in Thailand. It concludes that the Thai family is facing many pressures which differ depending on the family is urban or rural.