Activist lodges complaint against jet-setting Thai monk with Crime Suppression Division

[webfact]

Activist lodges complaint against jet-setting monk with Crime Suppression Division
Wisit Chuanpipatpong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- An activist yesterday lodged a complaint against controversial monk Luang Pu Nenkham and his alleged accomplices accusing them of deceiving the public.

Songkran Achariyasap, who chairs a network that monitors activities considered detrimental to Thailand, religion or the monarchy, directly contacted the Crime Suppression Division.

He pointed out that a replica of the Emerald Buddha Temple cast on the order of the controversial monk was very likely made of a resinstone powder mixture, not jade as advertised.

Songkran said he had asked experts from the Fine Arts Department to examine the statue before deciding to raise the allegation.

"I have received many tipoffs against Luang Pu Nenkham," he added.

Questions about the monk's conduct emerged after a video clip showing him with a luxury bag in a private jet received media coverage.

"I don't think he should still be called a monk," Songkran said

The monk headed to France last month after he became the subject of scandal. He has not yet returned to Thailand despite a summons by a monastic chief.

The monk's followers in Si Sa Ket, where his temple, "Wat Pa Santitham", is located, yesterday denied that the monk had gone on the run.

"He just needs time to consult lawyers and determine how best to protect Buddhism," said Sukhum Wongprasit, one of his followers.

Sukhum also threatened to lodge a complaint against anyone who tried to defame Luang Pu Nenkham.

The AntiMoney Laundering Office has disclosed that more than Bt200 million in cash flowed through 16 bank accounts held by Luang Pu Nenkham, people in his close circle, and a firm associated with him during the past two years.


-- The Nation 2013-07-04

[Thai at Heart]

Morning news is 20 minutes about the monk and still running.

No time to talk about anything more serious than this apparently

[Katipo]

Morning news is 20 minutes about the monk and still running.

No time to talk about anything more serious than this apparently

The story is not just about one man, but about those who represents the nation's religion. It's also the closest you get to real soul searching in a country that has all but forsaken Buddhism in the greedy pursuit of status and material wealth.

[Thai at Heart]

Morning news is 20 minutes about the monk and still running.

No time to talk about anything more serious than this apparently

The story is not just about one man, but about those who represents the nation's religion. It's also the closest you get to real soul searching in a country that has all but forsaken Buddhism in the greedy pursuit of status and material wealth.

I think this is something to do with the governments good news policy.

It just gets people s attention away from looking at the government.

[BrianCR]

I think the story is about crime and corruption and proving that it also exists in walks of life outside and not just in the government

[foxteen]

Morning news is 20 minutes about the monk and still running.

No time to talk about anything more serious than this apparently

The story is not just about one man, but about those who represents the nation's religion. It's also the closest you get to real soul searching in a country that has all but forsaken Buddhism in the greedy pursuit of status and material wealth.

Yep...who represents the nation religion is a discussed behaviour

[NongKhaiKid]

IN Channel are reporting his followers in Si Sa Ket deny he's hiding from justice but is taking time to consult lawyers so as how to best defend Buddhism.

So he's in France consulting with French lawyers on a Thai case ?

[Halion]

Typical redirection in a country full of corruption. Perhaps the public and the media should concentrate on th Government whoes activities in this area make this monk rather trivial. A few million is peanuts compared to what the PTP have secreted.

[hyperdimension]

A few million is peanuts compared to what the PTP have secreted.

No member of the PTP ever vowed to live a humble life free of material wealth.

[Pib]

The common Thai really don't like talking negative about monks unless maybe with close friends or family. But from what I've heard from Thai friends and family is they think it's wrong for monks to be seen shopping unless for very basic goods, seen with what might be considered luxury items, drinking, smoking in public, flashing their smartphone, etc. There appears to a slow but steady erosion of the respect shown towards most monks because of the increasing number of monks who openly display materialistic behavior.

[hmj]

"Songkran Achariyasap, who chairs a network that monitors activities considered
detrimental to Thailand, ...

The most detrimental activities to Thailand are corruption. He will probably
discover that the controversial monk is laundering corruption money.

Songkran Achariyasap could be the person to start a full scale war on corruption
and ensure that the people of Thailand have a future.

[jaltsc]

A Thai entrusted with the well-being of others, abuses his position and profits from his position in a big way. Where's the news here???

Edited July 4, 2013 by jaltsc

[klauskunkel]

"He just needs time to consult lawyers and determine how best to protect Buddhism," said Sukhum Wongprasit, one of his followers.

This is a line straight out of Politician's Handbook. I think he could be a serious contender for PM position.

[Traveller45]

Morning news is 20 minutes about the monk and still running.

No time to talk about anything more serious than this apparently

The story is not just about one man, but about those who represents the nation's religion. It's also the closest you get to real soul searching in a country that has all but forsaken Buddhism in the greedy pursuit of status and material wealth.

Buddhism is a mighty complex philosophy and methinks not many of their followers fully comprehend it. It does NOT in fact prohibit material wealth at all, it merely wants us not to become dependent on it. Dependent like, huge house, dozens of cars, servants, a wife ornate with jewels, all these things that look good to the outside and that are in reality a brimstone around the neck. So, as long as we don´t have more than a monk who has used business jet, please...

[lostmebike]

About bloody time!

[SOTIRIOS]

....risky business..........I hope that person does not encounter a shoelace....

[thhMan]

Corruption is bred at birth, so is it any wonder a Thai Monk should be any different? -sic-

[PoodMaiDai]

Monk On The Run

Isn't that a Paul McCartney song?

[aussieinthailand]

I think the story is about crime and corruption and proving that it also exists in walks of life outside and not just in the government

I think, Innocent until proven guilty, BUT (or when you pay me then sabi sabi )

it's not looking to good for this (monk) guy now yeah,

Take a look at what's happening in the Vatican right now,,, the same thing, It's not looking to good for him right now also yeah.

[Eddy B]

Today I was teaching a student and the topic about this came up during the class. I was so surprised that she actualy could understand the situation and with the help of her phone/dic find the words to put across her feelings. Basically, she feels that the teachings of the Lord Budda have been lost in translation. "People are using him as a way to profit from him". I was so proud to have a Thai person actually see the truth and openly say it to me, as a farang that is not usual that they be so open.