Friends in Dharma: Buddhism in Singapore-Thailand Relations, 1965–Present

Abstract This article examines the role of Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple in fostering the relationship between Singapore and Thailand since Singapore gained independence in 1965. It argues that this Thai Buddhist temple has significantly strengthened the diplomatic ties between the two nations, serving as an effective space for the Thai community in Singapore to cultivate cultural connections with Singaporean politicians, Buddhists, and other religious leaders. Complementing formal diplomatic engagements, the efforts of Wat Ananda Metyarama can be considered a form of informal diplomacy, which has substantially deepened mutual understanding and collaboration between the two Buddhist-majority countries in Southeast Asia. Utilizing a variety of sources, including fieldwork, interviews, website and social media data, and official press releases from foreign ministries, this study sheds light on the lesser-known aspect of Buddhist diplomacy that has contributed to the relationship between Singapore and Thailand, emphasizing the strategic significance of this rapport for the city-state.