Buddhist Ethics and Contemporary Social Problems: A Case Study of Euthanasia in Thai Society

Abstract

In the present, though digital technology, artificial intelligence and precision medicine can prolong human life. Man is still inevitable to face the suffering and agonizing pain from the diseases. Is there any solution to manage this anguish with peaceful mind and pass through it in a very short period of time? Since man has rights to handle his life with pride and dignity. Anyway, Thailand has not approved law and legislation on Euthanasia, as it is legally liable for intentionally killing others according to the penal code. However, if patients have Advance Directives for naturally passive death, they will no longer be supported by any terrific medicines or equipment under the supervision of board-certified physicians. The knowledge in anesthesia regarding unconsciousness, analgesia and muscle relaxation lets a person pass away in peace. Anesthetics slow down the central nervous system to deep coma, followed by the failure of respiratory and cardiovascular system. But it cannot refute that euthanasia is immoral in Buddhism, which is also an ethical problem.