On April 6, the Buddhist Association of Thailand strongly opposed the government's push to establish an "Integrated Entertainment Complex" plan through a statement, believing that this policy contradicts the core teachings of Buddhism and damages the moral foundation of the nation, especially having a significant impact on the younger generation.
The statement bluntly stated that the government is blindly pursuing economic benefits, ignoring the spiritual values of the nation, which will lead Thai society towards degradation. "The prosperity of the nation should not be built on indulgence and troubles, but should focus on promoting Buddhist teachings and enhancing national morality," emphasized the Buddhist Association in the statement.
Emphasizing the core position of Buddhism, criticizing the government for "short-sighted profit-seeking"
The Buddhist Association pointed out that since the reign of King Rama I, Buddhism has been the foundation of Thailand's establishment. King Rama I presided over the ninth revision of the Buddhist scriptures, allowing the teachings of Buddhism to be systematically preserved and continued to this day. Buddhism is not only a religious belief but also the foundation of social morality and civilization.
The statement mentioned that the Dharma does not discriminate by gender, race, or skin color, and is recognized worldwide as a guide to human behavior. If the government stubbornly promotes the entertainment complex, it is equivalent to building social prosperity on a damaged moral foundation, which is fundamentally wrong.
"The future of the nation is in the hands of the younger generation. We should not let them grow up in an environment filled with desires, but should guide them to become virtuous people through the teachings of Buddhism."
The entertainment complex is referred to as "the source of degradation"
The Buddhist Association believes that although the so-called entertainment complex has brought economic benefits in other countries, this model is not suitable for Thailand, which values Buddhism as its core. The statement pointed out that Thailand is rich in natural resources and has a favorable geographical location, and its economic development should not rely on industries with negative social impacts.
"The integrated entertainment complex will mislead future generations to believe that social prosperity can be achieved through desires and entertainment, while ignoring the true values of land, culture, and morality," the statement wrote.
The Buddhist Association insists that from the perspective of Buddhist teachings, the integrated entertainment complex is "a path to degradation," "a hotbed of sin," and such projects should not exist in Thailand, a country established on Buddhist principles.
Proposing five core principles to oppose the bill
In response to the current controversy, the Buddhist Association, together with national Buddhist organizations, formulated the "Bangkok Declaration" and submitted it to the Prime Minister on March 4, proposing five core principles:
Follow the governance philosophy of King Rama IX
Enhance integrity awareness
Promote Buddhist teachings
Practice the teachings of Buddha
Incorporate Buddhist precepts into social life
In conclusion, the Buddhist Association and all national Buddhist organizations firmly oppose the "Integrated Entertainment Venues Management Bill" draft, calling on the government to prudently evaluate the direction of policies with Buddhist teachings as the criterion, and not to sacrifice the moral foundation of the nation for short-term economic benefits.
