In Thailand, Buddhism has played an important role in terms cultivating morality and ethics for people in the society. Later, it has become an important part of the educational system of the country. This paper has its aims to clarify some backgrounds of Buddhist studies in Thai educational system from the early period to the present day. First, it discusses (1) some of the Buddha’s principles of teaching first, and thereafter (2) importance of Buddhist studies in Thai society, (3) management of Buddhist Studies, and (4) History of Buddhist Studies in Thailand and (5) Buddhist Studies Curriculum will be discussed. The conclusion of this study reveals that training morality and ethics to youth is the key factor making Buddhist studies exist in the educational system of Thailand.

Phaya, or a philosophical verse of local people in northeastern Thailand or locally called Isan whose culture is intimate to that of Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, is believed to be influenced by Buddhist Dhamma. It is, therefore, interesting to analyze how the local Isan philosophers borrowed ideas from the source and composed this valuable cultural heritage, with a specific focus on the theme of common characteristics of existence, consisting of anicca (impermanence), dukkha (suffering) and anatta (non-self). 252 existing verses were explored with a focus on common characteristics of existence. The findings revealed that the essence of the verses was literally borrowed from the source, Tripitaka, and figuratively adjusted for literary purposes. Implications of this analysis reassure that phayas are a truly cultural and religious heritage for the two countries.Keywords: Tripitaka, Isan phaya, common characteristics of existence

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