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ธรรมราชา - พระธรรมราชา

รากฐานของประชาธิปไตยที่คนไทยน่าจะพึงประสงค์

บรรจบ บรรณรุจิ*

Abstract

The Pali word “Dhammarajã”, found in the Buddhist scriptures, is
identical to the Sanskrit word “Dhammarajã”, which is the origin of the

Thai word “Phra Tharmaracha”. The word was used to refer to a great
king (cakravartin), a common king by dharma, and also the Buddha. An

important characteristic of the Dhammaraj? is to make his people have
moral happiness. In Thai history, “tharmaracha” was used in the names
of at least two kings - King Lithai of the Sukhothai period and King

Prajadhipok of the Ratanakosin period. Also, it was used as the real
royal name, “Phra Tharmaracha”, of one king of the Ayudhaya period.

This paper presents the two meanings of “tharmaracha”, namely “king by
virtue” and “king of virtue”, which are proper for Thai kings who have
used their rule to create moral happiness among their subjects.

The writer finds that “tharmaracha” in the Thai tradition has for 81 years
been used to refer to democracy with division of powers among an

executive, a legislature, and a judiciary, but the concept of “tharmaracha”
previously invoked by “Phra Tharmaracha” has not been applied along
with the powers. Therefore Thai democracy remains far from bringing

moral happiness to the masses.

* ภาคีสมาชิกราชบัณฑิต สำนักธรรมศาสตร์และการเมือง