The Sangha and Politics: A Case Study of Phramaha Show Dassanīyo (Phrasutivirabandit)

Abstract

This academic article aims to study Buddhist monk and politics, using documentary study and interview. The study found that Phramaha Show Dassanīyo (Phrasutivirabandit) is likely to be one of many monks who has been active in contemporary religious circles, politics, and public political issues. The contemporary public issues what he told about, for example, the enshrinement of Buddhism as the national religion, while not having tangible results, has highlighted the role of monks in politics and their participation. Their campaigns for a Ministry of Buddhism, leading to the establishment of the National Office of Buddhism. In addition, addressed issues such as the demand for a Buddhist Bank, objection to the Department of Academic Affairs' decision not to include Buddhism as a subject in the curriculum, protests over temple land and property, and opposition to the demands of non-religious groups regarding certain rights in case of head coverings in temple schools. All of these demonstrate the political, state, and religious roles of Phramaha Show Dassanīyo (Phrasutivirabandit). The body of knowledge is the recognition of the role of monk in politics, particularly in the case of Phramaha Show Dassanīyo (Phrasutivirabandit) which fostered political participation and driven change from the state to religion in political issues, etc.