The spread of Buddhism in Asia

Buddhism was spread over Asia in Asoka period(third century B.C.E.). Asoka, the great emperor of India was behind the propagate Buddhism by missionaries monk through the Silk Road.

Theravada Buddhism
Theravada spread south from India into Sri Lankan and eventually east to Southeast Asia; Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos

History of Buddhism (Theravada) in Sri Lanka

Around 236 B.E. (250 B.C.E.) Asoka sent his son Mahinda to Sri Lankan to convert the people there.He began by teaching King Devanampiyatissa, who was eager to meet the son of famous king as Asoka. Then, Devanampiyatissa immediately converted to Buddhism, as did the rest of his country. Many men were ordained.

History of Buddhism (Theravada) in Thailand

Because Asoka of India sent missionary monks along the Silk Road during the 3rd century B.C., Buddhism first appeared in Thailand in Suwannaphumi area (area of modern-day Thailand at a province now known as Nakon Pathom) Two missionary monks who came to this area name

Since Sukhothai period was established, In the reigning of King Ram Khamhaeng vigorous support Theravada in Thailand by invited a leader of Sri Lankan monks from Nakhon Si Thammarat in the South to preach Sri Lankan Buddhism (called Lankavamsa) in Sukhothai. Teravadahas played an important part in Thai history ever since

Southeast Asian king modeled themselves on Emperor Asoka. Like him, they acted as dharmarajas, as king of dharma and therefore guardians of Buddhism

At the same time, by the 15th Century, Buddhism had disappeared from India, and has never been a major influence there ever since, although there have been some revival in particular areas.