Religion in Thailand - The Buddhist Lifestyle
Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country and the vast majority of Thai's live their life strictly to Buddhist teachings. You will see Buddhist monks of all ages everywhere, the youngest I have seen is just 12 years old but it is possible for someone else to see someone younger.
Thai's believe firmly in Karma, "do good, and get good back" is how my wife explains her belief and Buddhist philosophy. She also fears any possibility of evil or bad spirits entering in to our lives so makes frequent offerings of food and visits wats/temple or small outdoor shrines to 'pray' or pay respect to Buddha to request good things from life and that the spirits take care of our family, home and land.
Naturally enough there are other religions present in and around Udon Thani. Most ferang are not Buddhist for starters although most will respect the Buddhist way of life and Buddhism principles, and enter in to the various Buddhist rituals with their partner. There are very few Muslims in Udon Thani or anywhere this far north in the country (I have only ever seen females dressed in 'traditional' Muslim clothing) but not in the same kind of numbers seen near the border with Malaysia. There is one Mosque in Udon Thani, and a few Chinese temples. They are perfectly peaceful here and I am not aware of any issues with any of the Muslims in this region, again not quite like it can be on the Malaysian border regions where conflict seems to happen all too often.
Other Religions in Udon Thani
IslamWhile Buddhism is by far the biggest active religion in Udon Thani, and most of Thailand, the Thai's and Buddhist belief is tolerant of other religions, and you are free to practice your faith, whatever that may be. Udon Thani has a Mosque (Kuwatil Islam Mosque), although just how well attended it is I am not sure, but I rarely see any Muslims in the city or surrounding villages. Southern Thailand is different, where the closer you get to the border with Malaysia, the Muslim population increases quite noticeably.
The Mosque itself is not an especially striking building, indeed it is not at all grand in any way, featuring a modest green dome. The Kuwatil Islam Mosque appears to be almost 'hidden away', to the rear of other surrounding buildings and not holding a prominent location on the road that passes it. |
Christinaity
With a fairly high number of western ex-pats in Udon Thani, and given that Buddhism is religiously tolerant, it is no surprise that the city does feature a small handful of Churches to the various faiths linked to Christianity.
International Christian FellowshipThe International Christian Fellowship Church is not very church like in appearance from the outside. It could easily be mistaking for an office, if it were not for the signage at the front of the building at 264/7-9 Prajak Road.
Morning service is at 10.30am, with an evening service at 6:00pm. |
Baptist Church
The Udon Thani Baptist Church can be found just to the north of Nittayo Road, on the south eastern side of the city.
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Catholicism
Mother of Perpetual Help CathedralIn the south east part of Udon Thani, at 129/18 Nittayo Road, is the Roman Catholic cathedral, namely the Catholic Mother of Perpetual Help Cathedral.
You can contact the Bishop on 042 222206 to find out the times of Mass. While a Cathedral, is is not a large building but it is quite striking in its own way. |