Thai Buddhism and Political Activism

The Washington Post provides an interesting window into Thai Buddhism and political activism:

In the morning, they pray and collect alms. At night, they march and shout for Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign.

Clearly these aren't your ordinary tranquil Thai Buddhists.In fact, they are members of the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect, and have dubbed themselves the "Dharma Army," in reference to the teachings of the Buddha that promote virtue. It's a jarring name to people who associate Buddhism with pacifism.

"It is our duty to Lord Buddha to oust the greedy and sinful Thaksin," says their charismatic and outspoken leader, Phra Bodhirak.

The group's members have joined the growing demonstrations to force Thaksin _ whom they accuse of corruption and abuse of power _ to step down.

A senior member of the sect, former Bangkok Gov. Chamlong Srimuang, is one of the leaders of what have become nearly daily anti-Thaksin protests. He last played such a role in 1992, when pro-democracy demonstrators forced out a military-backed government.

More than 20,000 people gathered Monday night near Bangkok's Grand Palace on the eve of a mass rally to demand Thaksin's resignation.

"We will wait with great patience (for Thaksin to resign) and use nonviolent means," Chamlong said. "If we use violence, it is our fellow Thais who will die."

Santi Asoke is not shy about flexing its political muscle, in the streets as well as at the ballot box. The group was in the vanguard of the 1992 demonstrations, and last year turned out in force to demonstrate against a beer company's plans to list on the Thai stock exchange _ alcohol being anathema to a virtuous Buddhist.

Once loosely affiliated with a political party founded by Chamlong, the group has now formed its own party known as "Pua Fa Din," or "For Our Land."

About 2,000 members of Santi Asoke are a steady presence at the anti-Thaksin rallies, which attract tens of thousands of people. Most wear the traditional blue Thai farmer's shirt called "mohom," symbolizing their devotion to simplicity.

There is a strong tradition in some schools of Buddhism _ in India and Vietnam, for example _ to engage in organized social and political struggle. But Thai Buddhism generally reflects the country's easygoing nature, which is respectful of authority and generally avoids confrontation.

Even so, Santi Asoke's street marches are peaceful and disciplined. The group prepared for a recent street action by viewing a video about the struggle of Mahatma Gandhi, Indian's national independence hero and apostle of nonviolence.