The Application of Kalamasutta Principles to Understand the Media in Thai Society

Abstract

The objectives of this research article are threefold: 1) to study the concepts, theories, and current situations of communication in Thai society; 2) to investigate the Kalama Sutta principles as appeared in Buddhist scriptures; and 3) to apply these Kalama Sutta principles to media literacy in Thai society. This study employs a qualitative research methodology. Data collection was conducted through in-depth field interviews with a purposively selected group of 15 key informants who possessed relevant expertise on the research topics. This sample comprised 5 Buddhist monks and 10 members of the general public.

Presently, the communication situation in Thai society is undergoing rapid transformation into a digital media ecosystem. Although technology facilitates quick and easy access to information, it also gives rise to information violence, the proliferation of distorted news, and propaganda. These issues significantly impact behaviors, values, and conflicts within Thai society due to a lack of critical information filtering.

The Kalama Sutta in Buddhist scriptures is a doctrine expounded by the Buddha to the Kalamas. It consists of ten tenets of belief that emphasize not hastily believing information merely based on hearsay, tradition, rumors, scriptural authority, logical reasoning, speculation, compatibility with preconceived theories, the apparent credibility of the speaker, or because the speaker is one’s teacher. Instead, the Buddha taught the utilization of wisdom to scrutinize and understand by oneself whether something is wholesome or unwholesome, harmful or beneficial, and then to act accordingly based on cause and effect.

The application of the Kalama Sutta principles for media literacy in Thai society reveals that this doctrine can be effectively integrated as a tool for examining and verifying information in the digital age. This is achieved by transforming the principles into a process of "awareness, questioning, and empirical verification through wisdom" before believing or sharing information. Applying the Kalama Sutta serves as an immunization for people in society, preventing them from falling victim to fake news, reducing conflicts, and promoting mindful and wise information consumption. This constitutes a crucial approach to sustainably developing intellectual well-being and peace within Thai society.