Frequently Asked Questions
We receive lots of questions on the web site about Freemasonry and Thailand. So in an effort to share the knowledge, we're posting the questions here. Some have been summarized and edited for smoother reading. If you have a question, just send us an email. Use the handy Google Tool to search this site or the web.
Q. Who can become a Freemason?
There are several ancient requirements for joining Freemasonry. They require the candidate to:
* believe in God;
* be a man;
* be over the age of 21;
* be freeborn.
These requirements generally provide moral, free-thinking, mature men capable of making their own decisions and keep their word. Modern day requirements also include financial stability and the ability to donate time to the lodge. You can find more information on the What Is Masonry and How Do I Join pages.
Q. Do Freemasons hate Catholics/Protestants/Buddhists/Muslims/etc.?
No. I actually get this question quite frequently by confused people. The internet is full of vile web sites that use fraudulent material or take things out of context to accuse the Craft of bigotry of one sort or another. The truth is that Freemasonry was the first organization to allow men of different religions to join together in a social context. There is nothing in Masonic ritual which could be deemed offensive to believers of any faith. However there are some who object to the concept of socializing with non-believers. In their view, any organization that allows non-believers is deemed unacceptable. If Freemasonry has a mission in the 21st century, then surely it is to fight against this bigotry and intolerance by extending the hand of brotherhood to men of all races and creeds.
We in Thailand are particularly fortunate. Each of our lodges has men of several different religions each working in harmony
Q. Can a Catholic/Protestant/Buddhist/Muslim become a Freemason?
Yes. There is no restriction within Freemasonry on which religions are acceptable or not acceptable. There is nothing in the vows of a Freemason that would contradict the tenets of your religion. Unless of course, you include socializing with men of different beliefs. If that's the case, you'd better get yourself to the monastery quickly!
However certain religions or certain priests/ministers/monks/clerics within these religions may have strong views on Freemasonry. If you have a concern, please talk to your faith leader or consult the book of your faith.
Q. In which God do Freemasons believe?
Each Freemason must believe in God, but the choice of his religion is up to the individual brother. On their website, the United Grand Lodge of England refers to belief in a "supreme being." No questions are asked about the specifics, only that he believe. Masonic ritual encourages the brother to study and practice his chosen religion.
Q. Can women become a Mason?
Women may not join "mainstream" lodges. Although there is no stated reason for this, I believe it is to eliminate sexual tension and rivalries in order to maintain harmony within the lodge. Women may join feminine or co-masonic lodges. Feminine lodges allow only women to join, while co-masonic lodges allow both men and women to join. There are no known feminine or co-masonic lodges in Thailand.
In other countries, there are groups that allow women to join as associate members. The most popular of these is the Eastern Star. Though popular in the US, Canada, Australia and elsewhere, it is not recognized by any of the Grand Lodges in Thailand.
Q. Why do Masons have secrets? What are you hiding?
The standard response to this is that the only secret is that there are no secrets. In reality, Masonic rituals can be bought online and there are so many books out there "exposing" Masonry that even the mildly curious should be satisfied. The main secret in Masonry are the ways in which we identify ourselves as Masons to others. This is important, because Masons vow to keep the confidences of our brethren. We help each other with problems and become a sounding board for brethren in need. Knowing that someone will be discreet makes it easier to open up and share your problems. Is it perfect? No. There are always some who take their promises lightly whether it comes to marriage, markets or Masonry. But it is a place to start.
Q. What do you mean by all these Grand Lodges?
A Grand Lodge is the highest legal authority in Freemasonry. All regular Freemasons belong to lodges that are on the roll of a particular Grand Lodge. These Grand Lodges are aligned with a particular nation or in the case of the US, Canada and Australia with a particular state or province. In Thailand we have lodges from the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands, France and the State of Delaware. All Grand Lodges claim authority over their chosen territory. Thus no Scottish lodge may be consecrated in England without the permission of the United Grand Lodge of England.
Thailand has the most diverse Masonic community on Earth. The kingdom boasts lodges from six different constitutions namely the United Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of Ireland, the Grand Lodge of Scotland, the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Delaware and the National Grand Lodge of France (GLNF).
Q. Is there a Grand Lodge of Thailand?
No. Masonry has only been in Thailand since 1911. There has yet to be the widespread, local support necessary to fuel growth sufficient enough to drive the formation of a Thai Grand Lodge. As such, Thailand is considered "open" territory. Which is why we see six different Grand Lodges represented in the kingdom. The formation of a Grand Lodge of Thailand would prevent any new lodges being formed by other Grand Lodges.
Q. If I'm a Mason from overseas, how can I visit a lodge in Thailand?
Check out the Masonic Tourist section of this web site for more details.
Q. Can I tour the Masonic Hall?
Not likely. The only Masonic Hall in Bangkok is the Lodge St. John Masonic Hall. The Hall contains records, photos and other memorabilia. However, it is only open for meetings. Please check with the Lodge St. John Secretary for details.
Q. What charities do Thai Masons support?
Each lodge has different ideas on the role of charity. Some lodges view this solely in terms of aiding the lodge's brethren and their families in time of distress, while others take a wider view. Many of the lodges spent large amounts of money and time to help the Tsunami victims in southern Thailand in 2005/6. Others have supported schools, hospitals and clean water projects in the kingdom.
Q. As a Mason, how can I learn more?
Read. The Links page includes a list of useful research forums. The Cornerstone Society in particular has a number of papers discussing various aspects of the Craft.