By doing so, would we see less of dancers exhibiting their private parts at temple festivities? Would there be fewer monks committing sinful acts? Would fewer amulets be handed out and a greater understanding of Buddhist teachings emerge?

It's a shame that protests are held in front of Parliament just to ask for what amounts merely to a cosmetic change. Apart from driving a wedge in a secular society, is it appropriate for monks to interfere in worldly affairs to start with?

More should be done to ensure that nothing sinful goes on behind temple walls and that monks set a good example for others. Although it is true that, as in all circles, monks unworthy of respect exist among the good ones, reports about monks' unacceptable behaviour have cropped up way too often, to the point where such matters are degraded to the point of being just another headline.

If Buddhism were to be declared the state religion in the constitution, wouldn't these types of stories tarnish not only the image of Buddhism but that of Thailand as well?

Furthermore, given the current rate of killing, drinking, adultery and gambling - all of which are forbidden by the five Buddhist precepts - how declaring Buddhism a national religion would help solve these daily troubles remains a mystery.

To help cure social ills we need to truly practise the teachings of the Buddha. The public must be encouraged to incorporate the basic teachings into their daily lives.

One positive sign is that there is an emerging trend of more people becoming interested in learning about Buddhism. Books have blossomed, with many hitting best-seller lists, and discussions on the subject have gained more space in the media lately.

At the same time, laws must be strengthened to discourage people from committing immoral acts. Take the cases of drink-driving, nude dancing or rape - just to name a few. Punishments are so lenient for these offences that they happen frequently. Most times only a fine or a very light sentence is involved.

Dr Thaejing Siriphanit, the secretary-general of the Don't Drive Drunk Foundation, who was himself injured by a drink-driver recently, is pushing for jail sentences for such drivers. Actually, harsher penalties should be handed out for all types of traffic violations, as many drivers still drive as they please.

In terms of nude dancing in temples, the dancers who made the headlines in Samut Sakhon were not the first. Similar shows can be found elsewhere, and not only confined to temples. Fortunately, though, now there's a strong social sanction against them.

Band managers as well as other related parties must be severely punished, especially if police officers are involved. And one hopes that social blacklisting against such atrocious shows will last - or at least as it pertains to those performed in temples.  

While we need national guidance, such as that provided by religious teachings, giving one particular religion a special status would do more harm than good. Thailand has always been a peaceful country, welcoming all faiths and religions. Stating the obvious would only change the equilibrium of this society. Harmony and unity are what everyone is trying to achieve, so why do we need to take the risk?

The issue is not only about what is written in the constitution, but also what follows. What other laws will be drafted to comply with that article in the constitution? How would it affect other religions? Most importantly, how would people of other religions feel? Would it turn out to be an unnecessary evil, creating more problems, given the southern situation and the political atmosphere?

Social ills don't go away simply by writing down a state religion in the constitution. If that were the case, then we should all write our wish lists down on paper.

There would be nothing to celebrate if Buddhism were to be put down in the constitution. Taking Buddhism only at face value is an insult in itself.

Only when Buddhism is practised in its true sense will there be a reason to celebrate, because then Thailand would become a better, peaceful place. That can be achieved only from within and not through coercion.

It's not the label, but the observance that matters. As the saying goes "Dhamma is in the heart".

 Veenarat Laohapakakul