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Some lessons from Thailand

Buddhism probably entered Thailand around the second century BC and has been declared as the state religion professed by nearly 95 percent of the population.

The kingdom of Thailand (then Siam) changed its name to " Muang Thai" in 1939, literarily "Land of the Free" never had to submit to colonialism in its 800 years of recent history.

The king who is a devout Buddhist rules his people through piety and devotion to the "Tri Ratna", virtue and wisdom springing from the Buddha Dharma and given its due place as the state religion , every effort is made to promote, protect, safeguard and foster the religion.

Thailand also conserves monuments, temples and sites in an admirable way, giving a fine example to a Buddhist country like Sri Lanka

This kingdom is also promoted as a truly quality tourist destination in Asia by the rulers. A 10 percent increase of tourists visiting the country is recorded every year according to the statistics reports thereby generating billions of foreign exchange and employment opportunities.

Although there are not many Police and security personnel on the streets there is an all pervading sense of discipline and an overwhelming desire for law and order among Thais. They appear to be conscious of the fact that there is a vital role they as citizens have to play in the national, cultural, religious and economic developments of their motherland.

For tourists they have the confidence to tour and explore Thailand. Finding freedom on the open roads based on the excellent road network, friendliness and honesty of Thai people are the other important reasons. What I have record here are some lessons we in Sri Lanka could learn from this country and her people, the rulers and the ruled by example rather than percept have together laid foundation for the prosperity of their country.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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