Opponents To Continue Abbot Rally

Opponents to continue abbot rally

Monks supporting the appointment of Phra

Phiphit Kijjaphiwat as abbot of Wat Sothon

in Chachoengsao, hold up stickers that read

‘For the Endorsement’. /Chaiwat Pumpuang

Two groups made up of monks and laypersons, both for and against the appointment of an outsider as the abbot of Wat Sothon in Chachoengsao province, held rallies yesterday within the temple compound.

Late yesterday afternoon, when the Sangha Supreme Council announced the appointment of Phra Phiphit Kijjaphiwat as the new abbot, opponents said they would continue protesting against the decision.

Several hundreds of people from both sides converged at the temple at 9am to rally for their cause - either in support or against the new abbot.

The group against the new abbot is being led by Phra Khru Palad Santithorn and other deputy abbots, of whom nine are qualified for the temple's top position. In the rally, Phra Khru Palad Santithorn cited a 1993 regulation that stipulates only a deputy abbot could be promoted to the abbot's position.

Some 300 riot police officers, backed by firetrucks and prison trucks, stood between the two groups to provide security and deter possible clashes. Meanwhile, there were also some 100 monks mobilised to ensure that none of their counterparts expressed themselves inappropriately. The "inspector" monks also calmed down the jeering and booing on both sides.

Those supporting the endorsement wore pink heartshaped stickers on their clothes or robes, while those against carried banners with messages such as "We don't want an outsider as the abbot".

Things became quite tense when members of the council arrived at 2pm for a 45minute meeting. The senior monks refused to speak to reporters after the meeting, though one did say: "Wait for the announcement."

At 3pm, the council secretariat's director announced that Phra Phiphit Kijjaphiwat, 84, the incumbent abbot of Wat Tha Saan in the Bang Pakong district, was being appointed as new abbot of Wat Sothon because he was fully qualified and had performed well in all his duties.

However, Phra Khru Palad Santithorn said the monk most qualified for the job was seniormost deputy abbot Phra Pariya Kitwitharn and that his group would continue showing its displeasure in a non violent way. Phra Pariya Kitwitharn was not available for comment.

-- The Nation 2009-11-11

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