How to Make Merit in Thailand

In Thailand, “making merit” is an important activity for Buddhists. In the Thai language, it’s referred to as “tham boon” (ทำบุญ), which means “do good deeds”. The word “boon” is derived from Pali word “punya,” which means a tool to purify the mind.

Buddhists thus view merit as a tool for purifying the heart of “defilements”. Thais refer to these defilements as “geelet” (กิเลส), which signifies the three passions that make the heart sad: greed, anger, and delusion.

Making merit is said to reduce these passions, helping us let go of the greed, selfishness, and narrow-mindedness which causes various kinds of suffering. It helps to free the mind and raise the spirit to a higher level, resulting in contentment, peace, and lasting happiness. It is not, as some misguided critics claim, a vain attempt by Thais to buy entrance into Nirvana, Heaven, a better Next Life, etc.

When foreign commentators discuss how Thai people “make merit,” they usually highlight the giving of alms at Thai temples, the making of donations to help the poor, or helping those suffering from a tragedy such as a flood. However, there are many other ways to make merit in Thailand.

The Office of the National Culture Commission (ONCC) identifies 10 methods for making merit. Recognizing that not everyone has the opportunity or resources to “give alms” (monetarily), and that Buddhism does not require such alms, the list includes methods of merit-making that all Thais can do (at any time), regardless of their economic situation.

Foreigners of course also can make merit in Thailand (regardless of their faith) by following these wise practices for uplifting the heart and mind.

Buddha Carrying and Alms Bowl — Temple monks, like the Buddha, carry an alms bowl which allows Thais to make merit by sharing food.

10 Ways to Make Merit in Thailand

1. Give alms, or as it is referred to in Thailand, “Thanmai” (ทานมัย). This means giving or sharing generously of what you have — whether it’s money, food, knowledge, or anything else. No matter who you give to (poor or not), it all is considered merit, because the giving of alms reduces selfishness, stinginess, and narrowness of mind. It lessens our attachment to material things, and is beneficial to the recipient and Thai society as a whole.

2. Maintain the precepts or “Silamai” (สีลมัย). The precepts refer to those 5 Buddhist commandments of not harming others; not engaging in sexual misconduct (e.g. having affairs); not getting drunk or high; not stealing; and not lying to others.

3. Develop “Bhavanamai” (ภาวนามัย), which means spiritual contemplation with an aim towards developing the mind and attaining wisdom. By calming the mind with meditation, or with the help of Buddhist chanting, we begin to see what is truly of value and what can be cast aside, as we rid ourselves of concerns over the trivial and impermanent.

Read the Full and Newly Edited Version of This Essay
in Why Thailand: Short Essays on Thai Culture, Language, and Life

Ajarn David

Ajarn at Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University

Ajarn David is an educator, writer, and podcaster who has been working with Thai universities for over 20 years. He is the author of "Why Thailand" (Short Essays on Thai Culture, Language, and Life), "Life Lessons from Isaan" and the bilingual poetry collection "Poems from Sakhon". He lives with his Thai wife and daughters on a farm in Sakon Nakhon (Northeast Thailand).