Culture & Religion

As one of the most important Buddhism centers in Thailand, almost all cultural activities and folk plays in Surat Thani are related to belief in the religion and mysticism. The nature of kindness and filial devotion of the Surat Thani people also affects their traditions and festivals. There is a tradition called “Marlai chanting” when a group of four people perform a Buddhist chant from the Malai funeral book. The content is about the story when Phra Malai came down to hell to visit his mother spirit. He chanted to soothe and to give instructions for the suffering spirits and devils. The same chant, performed by these mourners, also give the instructions for the living relatives to follow the moral principles for a better next life. Surat Thani people everywhere celebrate a festival, called Rab Song Ta Yai, every October when people make merit, pay respect to and show their gratitude toward their ancestors. The “Chak Pra festival” happening in every November is a common festival practiced throughout the southern region, and in Surat Thani it is the most auspicious time to make merit and give food offerings to the Buddhist monks.

From the study of archaeological discoveries, it is clear that historically Brahmanism and Buddhism were the most ascendant and influential religions in the Srivijaya Kingdom. Nowadays, Surat Thani is considered one of the most important centers of Buddhism in Thailand and the highly respected Buddhist monk, well known both locally and internationally, Phra Buddhathatpikku, was the abbot of Wat Suanmokkararam. Most of the people are Buddhists with minorities of Islamic and Christian people. Muslim Thais are followers of Islam. Urban Chinese worship at Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist shrines and temples, while the ethnic Thais visit twice a month the local Buddhist temples twice a month.

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