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Buddhist Way” as Intellectual Power to Resolve Thai – Cambodian Conflicts

Scholars, Diplomats, and Media Propose the “Buddhist Way” as Intellectual Power to Resolve Thai – Cambodian Conflicts Toward Sustainable Peace

The Bodhgaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute organized an academic forum titled “The Buddhist Way and the Resolution of Thai–Cambodian Conflict”, designed as an open dialogue platform to encourage constructive listening and exchange of ideas among scholars, diplomats, religious leaders, and members of the media. The objective was to integrate Buddhist principles and humanitarian values into a conceptual framework for building sustainable peace.

The forum was jointly organized by the Bodhgaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute and the Thai–Cambodian Friendship Association, aiming to explore historical, cultural, diplomatic, and public ethics perspectives. These discussions sought to synthesize policy and social approaches that utilize “Dhamma” (Buddhist teachings) as a key instrument for easing tensions between the two countries.

Buddhism and Thai–Cambodian Relations

Mr. Cherdkiat Atthakorn President of the Thai–Cambodian Friendship Association and former Thai Ambassador to Phnom Penh, highlighted the Buddhist dimension of Thai–Cambodian relations. He noted that both nations share deep cultural roots in the ancient land of Suvarnabhumi and have upheld Buddhism as their spiritual center for nearly a thousand years, long before the establishment of modern national borders.

Concrete evidence of these ties can be seen in networks of temples and the exchange of monks between the two countries, such as Wat Nuan Maneeram and Wat Phra Buddhaghosachan in Phnom Penh, as well as Wat Sangwet Witsayaram in Thailand, all of which symbolize enduring religious and cultural bonds.

Despite intermittent political and diplomatic tensions, people-to-people relations remain strong through education, religious practices, and the shared use of the Pali Canon. This shared foundation enables the “Buddhist Way” to serve as a long-term basis for restoring mutual understanding.

The Buddhist Way as Soft Power and Ethical Diplomacy

Dr.Supachai Virapuchong Secretary-General of the Bodhgaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, presented experiences in advancing Buddhism at regional and international levels. These include organizing the “Five Mekong Nations Dhamma Yatra,” which connects Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam through spiritual and peace-building activities, as well as cooperation with the Indian government in enshrining sacred relics of the Buddha and proclaiming the “Century of Dhamma” at Bodh Gaya.

These initiatives reflect the role of Dhamma as soft power, capable of connecting states, peoples, and cultures on the shared values of compassion, loving-kindness, and peace.

Dr. Supachai emphasized that promoting Buddhism on the global stage is not merely a religious endeavor, but a contribution to shaping a new ethical framework for the world order, seeking balance between political-economic power and spiritual values.

The Role of Buddhism in Building a Peaceful Society

Venerable Phra Metheeworayan, Dean of the Faculty of Buddhism at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and Executive Chairman of the Bodhgaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, stated that Suvarnabhumi has maintained peace for centuries because Buddhism forms the foundation of its culture and way of life.

He stressed that right speech, right view, and right conduct are central to conflict management, beginning with cultivating public consciousness, reducing prejudice, ego, and hatred, and fostering shared understanding through education and constructive communication.

Media Perspectives on the Roots of Conflict

Ms. Sanitsuda Ekachai, senior journalist, offered a critical perspective on nationalist mindsets and the historical narratives of ownership that often fuel violence. She suggested that Buddhist approaches to conflict resolution should revisit historical frameworks and promote new learning that emphasizes human interconnectedness over division.

The Buddhist Way: From Moral Framework to Peace Mechanism

The forum concluded that the “Buddhist Way” is not merely a religious doctrine, but a universal ethical framework applicable to diplomacy, international relations, and human coexistence.

Harnessing Dhamma as intellectual power can transform arenas of conflict into spaces for learning, reduce conditions that breed violence, and lead toward sustainable peace at national, regional, and global levels.