Politics Thai MP Apologises for Remarks on Buddhist Funding Debate

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A Nonthaburi MP has sparked controversy over funding for Buddhist pilgrimages.

 

Nont Pisarnlimjaroenkit, a People's Party (PP) MP representing Nonthaburi's Constituency 8, found himself in hot water after comments made in parliament. During a debate on Friday, he proposed cutting a 5-million-baht (approximately 4.5 million Thai Baht) budget intended to fund trips for 100 monks to significant Buddhist sites in Las Vegas, India, and Nepal.

 

His remarks questioned the need for such funds, asking, "Why do monks need high morale to do their work? It costs 50,000 baht per person just to go there and pay respects to something we do not even know about."

 

Following intense criticism on social media, Mr Nont issued a public apology via Facebook on Sunday. "I express my regret and apologise to Buddhists and the wider public over the language I used during the debate regarding the sacred sites," he wrote. He acknowledged that his words had offended many and seemed to undermine respect for these revered locations.

 

Clarifying his intentions, Mr Nont stated he did not aim to insult anyone's beliefs but sought to scrutinise how public funds were allocated. He emphasised the necessity for government agencies to justify their expenditure in terms of efficiency and overall benefit, and he pledged to approach future debates with more sensitivity.

 

The backlash extended beyond social media, with Amarat Chokepamitkul, a former MP of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, criticising his remarks as "careless, immature and deeply disappointing," highlighting the sensitive nature of religious topics.

 

Adding to the controversy, Phra Maha Narin, abbot of the Thai Temple in Las Vegas, called for the Constitutional Court to consider dissolving the People's Party. He argued that Mr Nont's comments displayed a lack of respect for Buddhism and an insufficient understanding of its values. The abbot noted that the Tripitaka, the Buddhist scripture, advises adherents to visit these sacred sites at least once in their lifetime.

 

The episode underscores the challenges faced by lawmakers in balancing fiscal scrutiny with cultural and religious sensitivities. As Mr Nont seeks to learn from this incident, the incident has ignited broader discussions on how such matters should be approached within the political arena.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-18

 

[JoePai]

Problem being most Thais agree with him - sending them off to Las Vegas   🤣

[Photoguy21]

Las Vegas? What Buddhist sites are there? Just about Casinos and hotels.