The Relationship between Religious Politics, Political Power and the Political Opportunities Structure: A Case Study of the Thai Buddhist Structural Restoration in the Era of Political Regime Shift

Abstract

The political regime change from absolute monarchy to democracy in the secular realm has affected the political opportunity structure in Monastic orders which allowed power shift among Buddhist Sangha in Thailand. Maha Nikaya which was always in the disadvantage position to Dhammayutika Nikaya, associated with the old regime, has become advantageous and this led to a social movement within Maha Nikaya sect of Buddhist Sangha called “Buddhist Structural Restoration Movement” (Kana Patisankorn Phra Sasana) which mobilized and advocated for successful change in Monastic governance. It can be argued that political opportunity structure during the democratic regime change allowed advocacy of the Buddhist Structural Restoration Movement to be effortlessly successful as timely and appropriate to political situation during that period.