Buddhism has a great influence over behavior and thoughts of Thais and Lao at the individual and public levels as a spiritual refuge, belief and faith. In their opinion, they are truly faithful to Buddhism, although Hinduism or deities may be related in practical daily life. Buddhism is reflected in the Twelve Occasion Festivities, the traditions that Lao-Thai residents in the Isan region and in Laos organize in the cycle of twelve months, which are related to important Buddhist activities. After the 1975 political change in Laos, Thamayut and Maha Nikaya sects were merged as the Lao Sangha under the supervison of the Central State Council of Bonze under the directives of the Lao Front for National Construction. In Thailand, Buddhism has been under the supervision of the Sangha Council and the Buddhism Institute, one of the three national pillars. For education of monks and novices, both countries put significance on education of monks and novices. It seems that Buddhism plays an important role in providing education to the general public, especially an opportunity for the poor to be ordained and educated. Governments of both countries support education for monks and novices from primary to tertiary levels (pp. 203, 204).