Buddhism has been considered to be the core of Thai identity since the establishment of the first Kingdom in the 13th century. Though the present constitution does not make it compulsory for every Thai to follow the Buddhist beliefs and practices, for the majority of the Thai population one cannot be a true Thai without being a Buddhist. Since early times the Thai sangha, the order of Buddhist monks, has been integrated into the state structure to provide legitimation for the monarch and/or political rulers. The institution of kingship, sangha and nation are considered as the basic triad of social solidarity and identity. They have been so intermingled in the course of history and are so deeply meaningful to the hearts of the people as to form the core of what may be called the civic Thai culture.