#ประชาธิปไตย

Democracy is often seen as a product of Western political evolution, yet an increasing number of Thai thinkers, monks, and educators highlight that democratic principles—in their essence—can be found within Buddhist teachings and monastic life. Understanding “ประชาธิปไตยในพุทธศาสนา” (democracy in Buddhism) not only bridges religion and governance but also opens the way for Thai society to interpret civic values through familiar spiritual roots.

The interest in democratic aspects of Buddhism is not new to Thai discourse. In the context of ongoing national debates about good governance, civil rights, and social harmony, advocates such as monastic scholars and university educators have long argued that Buddhism has its own model of democracy—one based not on contesting power, but on shared deliberation, ethical consensus, and the dignity of every person. This argument resonates in a society where both Buddhism and democracy are deeply embedded, but whose coexistence is often contested in real-world politics and social structures.