Buddhism holds its special place in Thailand through a long intertwining of religion, kingship, and collective identity. From early Thai kingdoms such as Sukhothai onward, rulers actively promoted Theravāda Buddhism, building temples and supporting the monastic community so that the Dhamma became a central thread in the fabric of the realm. Kings came to be seen as righteous rulers who govern in accordance with Buddhist principles, and their legitimacy has long been linked to their role as protectors and patrons of the faith. Over successive dynasties, this pattern of royal patronage ensured that Buddhism was not merely a private spiritual path, but a public institution woven into the life of the state.

Legal and institutional arrangements further reinforce this status. The constitution guarantees religious freedom yet requires that the king be Buddhist and an upholder of all religions, and the state is expected to support and protect Buddhism. Government bodies such as the Sangha Supreme Council and the National Office of Buddhism oversee and regulate the monastic order, giving the Sangha a formal, nationwide structure that parallels secular administration. Temples function as community centers and receive state support, and monks historically have served as educators, moral exemplars, and mediators. Through these mechanisms, the monastic community becomes not only a spiritual refuge but also a national institution.

Demographically and culturally, Buddhism permeates everyday life to an extraordinary degree. The vast majority of the population identifies as Theravāda Buddhist, and temples are present in virtually every community. Practices such as making merit (tham bun), temporary ordination, temple festivals, and funeral rites shape the rhythm of life and the moral imagination of society. Buddhist concepts of karma, merit, and dharma inform social customs and public ceremonies, and many national holidays and state events are framed as occasions for collective merit-making. In this way, the pursuit of merit and the presence of the Sangha are not peripheral activities, but central expressions of what it means to belong to the Thai nation.