| ng back on Thai history, we see clearly the close | | | | acting. In short, it has become an integral part of Thai |
| relationship between Buddhism and the Thai nation. | | | | life. The charm that has caused Thailand to be called |
| The history of the Thai nation is also the history of | | | | the Land of Smiles undoubtedly comes from the |
| Buddhism. The Thai nation originated over 2,000 years | | | | influence of Buddhism over her people. Realizing these |
| ago. Also in that same period Buddhism came and has | | | | facts, the Thai rulers have taken the responsibility for |
| played an important part in the Thai history ever since. | | | | the protection and promotion of Buddhism. |
| The Thai nation settled firmly in present-day Thailand | | | | The rulers of Thailand have encouraged and |
| 700 years ago. Also seven centuries ago it adopted | | | | supported Buddhism by building and maintaining |
| the present form of Buddhism. | | | | monasteries, by providing the monks with material |
| Buddhism is still the state religion of Thailand. Under the | | | | necessities and facilities for performing religious duties, |
| Constitution, the King, as a symbol of the nation, | | | | by patronizing their educational activities such as the |
| although protector of all religions, must be a Buddhist. | | | | Buddhist Councils for revising the Tripitaka and having |
| According to the latest census, the total population of | | | | the scriptures translated into Thai, and by reforming the |
| Thailand is 48 million. Out of this number, 93.4 percent | | | | Sangha and appointing able Supreme Patriarchs to |
| are Buddhists. Buddhism has had a deep influence in | | | | govern the Order. Since B.E. 2446 (1903 C.E.) the |
| the Thai arts, traditions, learning and the character of | | | | State has even enacted the laws forming the |
| the people. It has modelled their manner of thinking and | | | | Constitution under which the Sangha governs itself. |