The Kingdom of Thailand most beautifully continues the traditions of Buddhism. The lives of the people are infused by the desire for spiritual search. Till today, in the midst of the modern world, the spirit of compassion of the Buddha’s message continues in this land. Simultaneously, the culture of the Ramayana permeates the lives of the people of Thailand and their king is Rama the Tenth.

On April 3 and 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Thailand. This would put a focus on the historic ties of culture and cooperation between the two countries. Thailand has been one of the greatest countries which has shared and nurtured the most significant philosophical and ethical ancient traditions from India. Modi’s visit marks the revival of historic and timeless ties between India and Thailand.

From the 13th to the mid-14th centuries CE, one of the great Buddhist centres of the world was at Sukhothai, in Thailand. Some of the most graceful Buddhist art was created here, in a style which is famous till today. Monasteries of that period were perhaps made of wood and have not survived. What has continued and comes down to us is the art of the Buddha image, with all its elegance and beauty. In fact, since that time, Thailand has had a magnificent tradition of Theravada Buddhist images. The lines of the Sukhothai Buddha figures have a vivid life of their own. The surfaces are smooth and gently curving. The peaceful expressions are sublime.

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