| When Rama I began construction of the new capital, he set out to reorganize the governmental and religious aspects of the nation. In 1788, he summoned a religious council to revise the Tripitaka, or Thai version of the Buddhist scriptures. Since many of the original religious and even governmental texts had been destroyed during the attack on Ayutthaya, Rama I sought to restore the texts as best as possible. He also reestablished discipline within the monkhood that had been frought with superstition and corruption. By incorporating religion into his new capital, Rama I tried to promote good relations between the church and state. |
| Rama II, sensing his own death, entered his young son, Mongkut, in the monastery. Sending Mongkut to the monastery was Rama II's attempt to prevent a bloody shift of power after his death. While in the monastery, Mongkut gained fame for restoring the spirit of Buddha's original teachings. When he eventually assumed power as Rama IV in 1851, he combined his religious knowledge and reputation with his new governmental role. Again, religion was intertwined with the government. |
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| Today, Rama IX continues to show the close relationship between the royal family and religion. While serving as the ceremonial head of state, King Bhumibol Adulyadej participates in numerous religious ceremonies, including the seasonal cleaning and changing of the Emerald Buddha's clothes. Having the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within the same complex as the governmental buildings turns Bangkok into the religious and governmental center of Thailand. |