[Psymoussy]

I found this article on the net which seems to give an history of how Pali (the script largely used for Thai) and Buddhism came to Thailand. A lot of Sanskrit influence lies in Thai language, I feel.

I think the process started more than 1000 years ago.

Now, this brings me to a issue. Often when I mention Thailand and all that I know & like about it... some of my colleagues are quick to recall... "yes there is a lot of influence of India there". That quite sums it up! This is something I do not like. Because it takes away the profound nature of Thailand and its people and how they have developed their lives & culture. Besides Buddhism is no longer so strong in India - the country of its origin. So, it belongs more to those who follow it! So applies to cultural issues!

The way Thailand has treated the influences is very unique and well kept. In fact, I feel more Indian today after visiting Thailand than being in an Indian city (of course, getting out of the city in India is 180 deg different)!! This is not to take away anything from India which I love with all my heart. But following the colonisations and mughal period, we have built a certain complex personality which may not represent what India would have been otherwise and which we must still deal with.

Once again I repeat what my friend told me before I first visited Thailand.
" You are sure going to love Thailand. It is what we think we are!"

So, I think and theorise!!