Many people have asked how Thailand's religions affect pre-marital sex, erotic behavior, and relationship decisions for young adults. This question is essential because it is related to family planning and healthy relationships in society. While religion is a crucial factor in shaping Thai culture and identity, it also impacts every aspect of their lives, including pre-marital sexual behavior, erotic morality, and relational decision-making.
I will explore how Thai religious teachings influence these three areas by examining cultural values, social norms, and personal experiences.
Let's look at the role of Buddhist teaching. In Thailand, the majority of citizens identify as Buddhists, so it makes sense to start there. Buddhism has had an immense impact on Thai culture since its introduction to Siam around the sixth century CE. One of the primary aspects of Buddhism is that all things are transient or impermanent. This idea encourages mindfulness and detachment from material possessions and desires. It can be challenging to maintain a monogamous relationship when you don't want anything permanently. Some Buddhist beliefs may even make it easier for couples to engage in casual sex without feeling guilty about it.
Some experts argue that traditional Thai marriages are more like friendships than romantic partnerships, emphasizing shared responsibility rather than passionate love.
Theravada Buddhism stresses the importance of celibacy before marriage and promotes abstinence until a couple gets married. Monks take vows to remain celibate throughout life.
They do not discourage sexual activity between spouses once married because having children is considered one of life's essential purposes. The religion also teaches self-control, which can help people avoid impulsive decisions about relationships and sex.
We should examine how Hinduism influences pre-marital sexual behavior, erotic morality, and relational decision-making among young adults. In this case, the concept of karma plays an important role. Karma refers to the idea that every action will have consequences, both positive and negative. Therefore, if someone behaves badly, they could face retribution in this life or another. Hindus believe that premarital sex is immoral because it breaks social norms, but it doesn't necessarily lead to karmic punishment. On the other hand, adultery is considered a sin because it violates trust and loyalty within a marriage.
Muslims, who constitute around five percent of Thailand's population, observe Islamic laws regarding sexuality.
Muslim women must cover themselves when in public or with men outside their family, while men cannot show excessive affection toward them. Muslim couples should marry before engaging in sexual relations, as premarital sex is forbidden under Sharia law. Marriage contracts are also used to regulate divorce rights and child custody.
Some scholars argue that these rules don't apply to non-Muslims and may be more flexible for Thai Muslims than those in other countries.
Christianity has had less influence on Thai culture than Buddhism or Hinduism, but it still exists here. Christians teach abstinence until marriage, which can conflict with society's views about premarital sex. They also emphasize monogamy after marriage, but polygamy was historically common among Thai royalty.
Religion affects young adults' decisions about sexual behavior, erotic morality, and relational choices, although these beliefs vary depending on individual circumstances. Some people might feel guilty about having premarital sex because of religious teachings, even if they don't believe in God or follow any specific faith. Others may find that their personal experiences contradict the tenets of their religion. Regardless, understanding how various religions shape attitudes towards sex and relationships is essential in promoting healthy relationship dynamics and responsible family planning.
How do Thai religious teachings influence pre-marital sexual behavior, erotic morality, and relational decision-making among young adults?
In contemporary Thailand, the concept of gender roles is still present, with traditional gender norms being perpetuated by the patriarchal society. This influences the way Thais view sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. Religious teachings also have an impact on these areas, particularly Buddhism and Islam.