กฎหมายที่กำหนดบทบาทของรัฐไทยต่อศาสนาพุทธบนพื้นฐานของการคุ้มครองเสรีภาพในการนับถือศาสนา

Abstract

Theravada Buddhism has been a renowned institution and a vital role in sustaining historical and cultural dimensions in Thai society. However, the state's practice and provision of laws concerning the status of Theravada Buddhism propel the relationship of state and Buddhism in the direction of impediment. From the historical view, Buddhism arrived in this area during the dawn of the first kingdom of Thailand. Subsequently, Thailand became a modern state and established the constitutions and statutory laws that directly governed Buddhism. For example, the Sangha Act that created elements bound up the connection between the Thai state and Buddhism, whereas discriminating against other religions. According to the state's performance, preserve and protect Buddhism, and sometimes, exercised power in the name of the religious institution. Finally, the situation led to conflicts in many cases. From selected case studies, senior monk Srivichai, Santi Asok, Phimon-dhamma monk, and female monk to represent the conflict between the state's authority and opposition of religious institute eradicated the rebellious entity. This study elaborates on the ideology and prevails the conflict of the problems of the Thai state and Buddhism influence, then the suggestion to respect the right to religion of others.