Abstract
In Thai Buddhism, the Sangha is regarded as nā-bun, "the field of merit, " which can be depended upon to produce an assured crop of merit for the Thai laity. This popular belief is the most reliable generator of economic support for the otherwise materially helpless monks in Thailand.
The Sangha deserves the title nā-bun so long as it remains "pure." In traditional Thailand, the "purity" of religion is measured mainly in terms of the strictness with which the rules of the Vinaya are observed. If the Sangha becomes corrupt, it is no longer regarded as nā-bun; so it cannot attract economic support, and Buddhism declines for lack of subsistence.
The Thai king, "Defender of the Faith, " is expected to maintain the prosperity of Buddhism. To this end he gives the Sangha royal patronage, phraboromarāchupatham. He offers economic assistance in a variety of ways, so that the Sangha can pursue spiritual perfection without material cares.
In the reign of Rama I, the Sangha became corrupt. The monarchy not only protected if from physical decline, but also applied sanctions against it and purged corrupt elements even at the cost of the Sangha's autonomy.
