Book Examines Religion-State Ties and Freedom in Thailand
Suraporn Taevisak’s new book compares Buddhist and Christian reforms to question the freedom of religion and politics in Thailand. It argues that state‑directed monastic preaching and bans on political discussion reveal a lack of true religious freedom for monks, paralleling restrictions on politicians. The work calls for a rethinking of religion‑state ties to achieve genuine liberty.
The book argues that true religious freedom for monks would require equal ability to interpret Buddhist teachings to support either nationalist, monarchist ideals or democratic, pro‑freedom ideals. It contends that the current ecclesiastical order, exemplified by the Mahanikaya and Sangha Supreme Council, restricts monks from political debate, mirroring the lack of genuine political freedom for Thai politicians who cannot openly discuss the monarchy and democracy in parliament. The author traces how the religion‑state relationship was established and suggests pathways toward a system that grants both religious and political liberty in Thai society. The volume also includes short notes on other Buddhist titles, such as a lay‑person’s chanting manual and a collection of jataka tales.
