This dissertation, entitled “The Relations between Buddhism and the Thai monarchs B.E. 2154-2394” consists of three objectives: 1) To study the concept of the ideal king in the belief of Buddhism, 2) To study the possible factors of Buddhism which had an influence on/ played important roles on the Thai kings in the following areas : the gaining of royal powers, charisma, righteousness and the Buddhist support to the Thai monarchy and 3) To study the relations between Buddhism and the Thai monarchs. This work is carried out through researches from Tipiµaka, academic works, articles, and relevant documentations.
    The study and its findings show the important factors that influence the relations between Buddhism and the Thai monarchs. The self-become king from winning the wars, the entry of foreigners into Siam and economic situation are examples of the situation which shows the interdependence between Buddhism and the Thai monarchs. Thai kings have long adopted and adapted Buddhist concepts and teachings such as dharma, kingship and the bodhisattva in the rulings. In return, Buddhism has received royal supports and care in 4 aspects: dharma principles, religious, materials, and Buddhist ceremony. Moreover, Buddhism was highly placed with respect to the Thai monarchy.
    The relations between Buddhism and the Thai king from the Ayutthaya period is a model for the kings from the Thonburi period and the early Rattanakosin period. However, with the change of political, economic and social context after the second loss of Ayutthaya to Burma, each king adopted and applied different Buddhist concepts to suit the then situation. The kings had to use their royal power to create political legitimacy. The findings are that the monarch of the Ayutthaya period emphasized himself as the emperor ruler while the monarch of the Thonburi period conditioned himself to adhere to the principles of the Buddha’s bodhisattva. Next, King Taksin took the role of the supreme leader of the sangha, acting as the living Buddha. Finally, the king from the early Rattanakosin period used the old-style ruling pattern and controlled the standard of the Triple Gems by revising the Tripitaka, setting rules and regulations to control Sangha and creating a special Buddhist symbol in quantity and size.

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