Buddhist Philosophy and Thai Society in the Digital Age

Abstract

This academic article aims to explore the relationship between Buddhist philosophy and Thai society within the context of the digital era. The focus is on analyzing the role of Buddhist philosophy in adapting to and preserving moral values amid the rapid advancement of digital technology. The findings reveal that Buddhist philosophy plays a crucial role as a framework for fostering mindfulness, awareness, and an understanding of the impermanent nature of change. This helps mitigate the negative impacts of the digital world, such as ethical decline in online media, misinformation consumption, and the deterioration of social values. Additionally, this study proposes the integration of Buddhist philosophical principles, including the Threefold Training (Sila, Samadhi, Pañña) and the Four Noble Truths, into the digital society to strengthen the moral and psychological resilience of Thai people. This contributes to improving the quality of life and enhancing social relationships. The article introduces the B-WISE Model as a practical framework for applying Buddhist philosophy in contemporary society. This model encompasses the integration of Buddhist teachings, the promotion of well-being, ethical communication through digital platforms, the cultivation of social mindfulness, and the development of ethical digital citizenship. In conclusion, Buddhist philosophy remains highly relevant and essential to Thai society, even as the world transitions into the digital age. Applying Buddhist teachings in daily life and online spaces can effectively preserve cultural values and ethical principles, ensuring that Thai society remains stable and sustainable amid ongoing global changes.