It is troubling that some of the leading advocates of Buddhism becoming a state religion are instigating disturbances by alluding to what they describe as plots to destroy Buddhism and to relegate its adherents to the status of second- or third-class citizens. Exactly how holders of such xenophobic views came up with their poorly-formed argument is a mystery.

The overwhelming majority of Thais who regard themselves as Buddhist, some 94 per cent of the total population, must not allow these hot-headed people who claim to share their faith to sully the good name of Buddhism as a religion of peace. It must be said that the Buddhist majority in this country has peacefully coexisted with followers of other faiths, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and others.

Having Buddhism enshrined in the new charter as the state religion of Thailand will do nothing good for the religion, which is badly in need of long overdue reforms. And we haven't heard any intelligible argument from these so-called Buddhists on how they propose to reverse what is widely seen as the precipitous decline of Buddhism in Thailand.

Instead of shifting blame to followers of other religious faiths, these self-righteous Buddhists should look inward to determine how they have contributed to the sad state of affairs that Buddhism as it is practised in this country now finds itself in.

If these people, and indeed all other Buddhists, are honest with themselves, they will realise that the single most important cause of the decline of Buddhism in Thailand is the persistent failure by Buddhists to put pressure on Buddhist institutions to reform. This has resulted in a real and noticeable decay of the monastic community, which is generally seen as backward, corruption-prone and devoid of moral authority.

Most in this country who claim to be Buddhist can do so in name only. Religious ceremonies are performed as customary practices on formal occasions but those participating in them have little or no personal attachment to the teachings of the Buddha. Too many monks who are supposed to study Buddha's teachings and pass on their knowledge of the dhamma to laypersons are too busy engaging in the lucrative trade in amulets and talismans that prey on the superstitious practices of the gullible and ignorant.

That is sad, considering that Buddhism has for centuries been so closely intertwined with the development of our national identity and a culture of tolerance that has fostered prosperity and peaceful coexistence with citizens from different ethnic groups and religious faiths.

The future of Buddhism and its continued relevance to Thai society depends on how successfully Thailand's brand of Buddhism can be brought back to true, essential core Buddhist values. These values are aimed at reducing suffering through the exertion of self-control in matters of lust, and the craving for status or material things, which are the immediate causes of suffering.

Buddhists who are now pressing for Buddhism to be declared a state region have no clear agenda on how to restore the faith to its former glory as a force for good in this multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society. Tolerant and sensible Buddhists would do well not to associate themselves with this fanatical fringe, that appears motivated by xenophobia.

Buddhism should not be designated a state religion because there never has been a need for such self-aggrandisement with the faith. Indeed, Buddhism needs to be protected from manipulation by groups whose thoughts and actions contradict the true essence of Buddhism.