Page 76 - รวมเล่มศาสนาในประเทศไทย ภาคภาษาอังกฤษ

Sikhism

Sikhism is one of the five major religions in Thailand -- namely, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Brahmin-
Hinduism, and Sikhism -- which are recognized by the Thai constitution. Even though there are only 50,000 Sikh
families living under the present king's monarchy, Sikhism are under the same royal patronage as other religions.
His Majesty the King has concerns for their way of life, support Sikhism rituals and their religious activities in
accordance with religious belief and faith of Sikhism followers.

An example of His Majesty's royal grace is when the present king presided over the Celebration for
th
500 Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak -- the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Gurus -- on November 18, 1969.
The celebration was held at The National Theater by Thai Sikhs and the Sikh Association of Thailand. The royal
speech given by His Majesty to Sikhs on the occasion showed the king's equality of love and concern for all Thais,

and made Sikhs proud of being a part of Thai society. An excerpt from His Majesty's royal speech;

“

I am very pleased and content to hear the confirmation by your chairman
that Sikh people in Thailand are well facilitated and supported so as to be completely
peaceful and happy in earning a living and in practicing all religious activities accordingly
to your belief. The stability of each person in his position and happiness can only happen
with the right behaviour, the justified action and the right contribution to one another.
All of you are peaceful and happy because you yourself remain in a righteous position.
Your objective is to implant a mutual understanding among mankind, without the
prejudice of races, caste or religious beliefs. One needs to hold on to those principles at
all times, under the idea that what is good for society or the general public begins with
the development of good individuals.
”

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