In Thailand, several types of Buddhism are practiced, but the dominant and official form is Theravada. This branch of Buddhism emphasizes the path of individual enlightenment and the pursuit of nirvana through meditation, ethical living, and the study of the Buddha’s teachings. Apart from Theravada Buddhism, there are also small communities of Mahayana Buddhism in Thailand, particularly among Chinese-Thais. Mahayana Buddhism is another major branch of Buddhism that includes diverse traditions, such as Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism. These Mahayana traditions emphasize the bodhisattva path, which focuses on the compassionate intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. Additionally, there are some smaller and lesser-known sects of Buddhism practiced in Thailand, like Vajrayana Buddhism, a form of Buddhism prominent in Tibet and parts of the Himalayas, and Thai Forest Tradition, a lineage of Theravada Buddhism known for its emphasis on meditation and strict adherence to monastic rules.