As a historical study of Buddhism in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic from 1975 C.E. to 2004 C.E., this thesis is based on documentary research. The objectives of the study are as follows: 1) To study the origin and development of Buddhism in Laos; 2) To study the history of Buddhism in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic from 1975 C.E. to 2004 C.E.; 3) To study the influence of Buddhism on Lao society.

            The result of the study of the documentary research found that Buddhism in the Lan Xang period was a very strong faith.

            1) After the Lan Xang kingdom was split into three kingdoms, Laos became tributaries of foreign countries, and Buddhism weakened for a long time.

            2) After the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Buddhism was revived again,

            3) The conditions of Buddhism changed with factors of the situations of the country. Buddhism has played an important role in Lao society from the former times to the present day. All human beings were ranked in a hierarchy of merit, which accrued according to Kamma (Action). Thus, the beliefs of the Lao people were traditionally conceived within the framework of Buddhist conceptions of Kamma (Action), including this life and next life, Generally, the basis of Buddhist teachings affected the person ans society as a whole. Though most Lao people’s beliefs were affected mainly from Buddhist principles, many did not get away from the belief in ghosts, which is the old belief of the Lao people.