The purpose of this research is to examine the ideas and roles of Buddhist Thai literature. Regarding ideas, this research is an overall literary study of Buddhist Thai literature of all kinds, which shows that Buddhist Thai literature is based on the canon, that is, Tripitฺaka and post-Tripitฺaka scriptures, namely, Atฺtฺhakathā, Tikā and Pakaravisesa. Buddhist Thai literature is related to the major scriptures, Tripitฺaka and Atฺtฺhakathā, both in terms of story and teaching. It can be traced to, verified by and referred to the absolute literary source of Buddhism, Tripitฺaka. However, in Thai literature, the emphasis is on using literary techniques in communicating dharmic ideas; it is a combination of emotion and the essence of Buddhism. Furthermore, Buddhist Thai literature is literature of experience. The authors use their religious experience to compose the texts and the texts are the tool for creating experience for the readers, who in turn use their religious experience to comprehend Buddhist dharma and put the knowledge and understanding of Buddhism into practice to benefit themselves and society. Moreover, the intended benefits of Buddhist Thai literature are peace of mind and development of thought and living. Ideas in Buddhist Thai literature are also related to the role it plays in terms of value as Buddhist art for teaching dharma. It also plays a role in respect of society, culture and politics and government, which is the social role of literature influencing the thought and beliefs, values and customs of Thai society. The ideas and roles of Buddhist Thai literature have significance for the value of passing on Buddhism to remain in Thai culture because of their specific characteristics that correspond with the context of Thai society and the need for aesthetic dharma of its people.