Santi Asoke

The Santi Asoke (Thai: สันติอโศก "Peaceful Ashoka") is an ascetic sect of Theravada Buddhism established by former television entertainer and songwriter Phra Bodhirak. Bodhirak declared independence from mainstream Thai Buddhism in 1975. He had originally ordained within a monastery recognized by the sangha, but left to form a new sect which aimed to reform the Thai Forest Tradition. Santi Asoke members are strict vegetarians and live an ascetic life. They desire to help people attain "peace without suffering" and lead society back to the basics of Buddhism, devoid of superstition. They also take part in social welfare activities, including offering free meals to the poor.

The Santi Asoke has been described as "a radical sectarian movement" that "reflects the forest tradition's ideals of simplicity" and focuses on lay practice and political and religious reform.

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