The Role of Thai Sangha in the Process of Political Development: Study Content Analysis Sangha Statement 1913- Present

Abstract

          This aims to study 1) develop power relations between states and religions which appears in the content of the Sangha statement 2) the role of the clergy that appear in the content of the event and 3) the consistency of the political clergy role with the Dharma discipline. This article is qualitative research, by studying the original document, "The Sangha Statement, Year 1913 – present. By the researcher using the concept of Chai-Anan Samutvanich described "the process of using the power of the former ruling class of the Thai state Is the communication of the use of power that needs to be transmitted to the rulers who have faith in the faith that most people trust. The state used to be the power of the moral and the wise In which both classes have a friendly relationship or generosity in the mutual benefit of the role of the Thai clergy and the power that the researchers interpret as "As a role in counseling" with the state in the country event which the state needs advice suggestion and the state is a political power user

          The results of the data analysis showed that 1) develop power relations between states and religions that appear in the content of the Sangha statement can be divided into 4 periods (1) the era of the birth of the state to Thon Buri. (2) early Rattanakosin period in the reign of 1-4. (3) reigns 5-7, that began to be transformed into a modern era that was influenced by western nations, (4) early age after the change of rule from absolute rights to the democratic regime of King Rama VIII. 2) the role of the clergy in the statement, (1). the role of Buddhist affairs administration is to act according to the roles that appear in the Sangha administration act and (2) the political role (latent power) consists of the role to sustain the monarchy and the role in the political development process that is unable to separate the economic and social 3) the consistency of the political clergy role with the Dharma discipline Thai society still needs. many institutions come together to develop into a democratic state with sustainable fairness.