The Adaptation of Annam-Nikai in Bangkok

Abstract

Annam-nikai, a Mahayana Buddhist sect from Vietnam, was brought into Bangkok in the early Rattanakosin period. At first, it played an important role as a main spiritual center for the Vietnamese Buddhist community in Bangkok, later it was also supported by the Chinese and Thai communities. Due to political and cultural factors, the community of Annam-nikai had gradually turned from Vietnamese Buddhist community into Chinese and Thai Buddhist communities. However, after the WWII, due to the Thai government’s policy towards Vietnam and communism, members of the Vietnamese community did not want to identify themselves as Vietnamese and began to lose touch with Annam-nikai. In order to exist, Annam-nikai has to adapt itself to the changing society and new environment. It can be seen that today the majority of Annam-nikai’s supporters are no longer Vietnamese, but Chinese and Thai. This thesis outlines the historical development of Annam-nikai and examines the connection between the integration of community and the adaptation of Annam-nikai in Bangkok. It offers a study of the process how political and social changes in Thailand have an impact on the Anam-nikai temple’s community. This thesis argues that apart from political factors, cultural similarities provide a favorable condition for the adaptation of Anam-nikai in Thai society. The remarkable adaptation of Annam-nikai can be found in its structure, namely the adoption of Thai Buddhist temple hierarchy, and its practice such as ceremonies and language used in chanting sutras