Buddhism was first introduced to Suvarnabhumi, an ancient kingdom believed to occupy approximately the same area as, and prior to, Siam (former Thailand), by two Buddhist monks: Sona Thera and Uttara Thera dispatched by King Asoka the Great of India (B.C.259-222). Since then, Buddhism has been firmly established in this region.
In Thailand nowadays, Buddhism has the largest number of followers. In history, Thai kings have always shown a strong faith in Buddhism by entering the monkhood and supporting Buddhism.
It is also obvious that Thai Buddhists' ways of life get involved with Buddhist activities from birth to death. This explains why Thais observe several Buddhist important days. In this issue, Thaiways presents to you brief explanations of Thailand's six important Buddhist holy days which are fixed in accordance with the Thai lunar calendar.