February 5, 2009
Bangkok (ASTV Manager Online) – 55.5 percent of Thai children did not know when Makha Bucha Day would be this year and they even did not know what it was about.
Assumption University surveyed 2,120 children and youths who were 12-24 years old. The survey was conducted on February 2-4.
44.5 percent knew that Makha Bucha Day would fall on February 9 this year.
63 percent had no idea what the Buddha taught on that day whereas only 37 percent did.
62.7 percent planned to give alms to monks while 42.4 percent would go to the temple to perform the religious ceremony.
33.3 percent would spend their time with their family members.
49.6 percent wanted to reduce or stop drinking/smoking while 48.4 percent thought they would reduce or stop doing bad things.
36.1 percent gave importance to Makha Bucha Day more than Valentine’s Day whereas 23.5 percent equally gave importance to Makha Bucha Day and Valentine’s Day.
8.8 percent said they celebrated the Valentine’s Day more.
55.3 percent wanted the government to give knowledge about Buddhism to people whereas 28.3 percent said people should have an opportunity to jointly do a religious activity.
20.3 percent thought youths should be encouraged to go to temple more.
Parents and adults were urged to take this chance to promote Buddhism among children and youths.
