Abstract:
As a Buddhist deity with Chinese characteristics, Guanyin has gradually
spread in Thai people as the Thai-Chinese community entered Thailand. We first
conducted questionnaires and interviews, and then collate the information of
Guanyin amulets that were blessed by Luang Phor Bao Earng Luang Pu Toh
Luang Phor Koon Luang Phor Kasem Luang Phor Pern and which are made in
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara and Wat Hua Lampong to better understand the impact
of Guanyin in Thailand. To examine the evolution of the Guanyin amulets and to
investigate potential causes for the Guanyin faith's popularity in Thailand, the
history, image, and characteristics of the Guanyin amulets are arranged.
The study found that the Guanyin amulets combine the Chinese pedigree and
image with Thai worship and function. The Guanyin amulet is a type of cultural
transmutation that inevitably happens when the Guanyin faith actively adapts to
the local environment and cultural traditions of Thailand using its own unique
characteristics. It can only be widely disseminated with the joint promotion of
Buddhism's inclusivity and the social influence of Thai-Chinese. The widespread
Guanyin belief in Thailand serves as an effective illustration of the successful
cultural exchange between China and Thailand.