Monk says temples in Europe will take him: supporter

[webfact]

Monk says temples in Europe will take him: supporter
Pakamas Jaichalard,
Wichit Meesawat
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Luang Pu Nenkham dismissed a threat by Thai monastic authorities to expel him and claimed Buddhist temples in France and Germany were ready to take him in. He said he would return to Thailand on July 31 with "bigger greatness", key follower Sukhum Wongprasit said yesterday.

The Office of National Buddhism chief Nopparat Benjawatananun warned, however, that such a move was impractical and would still end up with the monk lacking authority or being unsupervised, because temples overseas weren't under Thai law or the Buddhist Order Act.

A transfer of supervision needed permission from the previous supervisor as well as an official letter from the new supervising temple, he said.

Sukhum yesterday submitted a request for justice to the Supreme Patriarch's Secretary's Office at Wat Bovornniwet but it was turned down on grounds that he didn't make an appointment and he wasn't a "damaged party". He also lacked a proper letter to show he had permission to act on the monk's behalf.

So Sukhum gave the letter to Wat Bovornniwet abbot assistant Phra Thepsarnvethi, who said he would present it to Acting Dhammayut order head, Somdej Phra Wannarat, although there is a procedure in the Sangha chain of command to handle such issues.

Sukhum requested that the Ubon Ratchathani monastic committee extend its deadline for Luang Pu Nenkham to report himself be postponed to July 31. Sukhum also urged Ubon Ratchathani monastic chief and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to consider a recent confession by the monk's younger brother, identified only as Suri, who they say is the man in the photograph picture, which people previously speculated was the monk and a female.

He said Suri, who ordained at the same temple, had left the monkshood a few years ago. He also urged that the DNA test result - key evidence in moves to disrobe the monk before facing criminal charges - should meet international standard.

Sukhum, who said he was in "constant contact via Line and Facebook" with the monk, said the monk would return on July 31 "with bigger greatness" and the threat by a temple at Ubon Ratchathani to expel him was not a worry, because Buddhist temples in France and Germany were ready to take him in. He said he would reveal details of his contact with the monk on Monday. Sukhum is linked to the World Peace University, which is also under investigation.

The DSI yesterday submitted a report of alleged criminal violations by the monk to senior monks at a temple in Ubon Ratchathani who are considering whether to expel him. They include a DNA test on the monk's alleged son (results of which are due today).

Phra Rajathamkosol, abbot of Wat Tai Phrachao Yai Ong Teu, said the DSI should handle criminal allegations while his side handles the monk's violations of Sangha rules. He expected the monk would be expelled by midnight last night.


-- The Nation 2013-07-13

[arthurboy]

Not much to be said really.

In another few weeks, he will have been paid off handsomely for his hard work, the trough will have been redistributed and the investigation quietly shelved.

Edited July 13, 2013 by arthurboy

[NongKhaiKid]

Not much to be said really.

In another few weeks, he will have been paid off handsomely for his hard work, the trough will have been redistributed and the investigation quietly shelved.

Let's see if the pressure is applied by cancelling his passport and Heaven forbid, sorry, an Interpol Red Notice.

[theblether]

Just what we're needing, another high profile exile.

[OzMick]

There's another Sukhum born every minute.

[sjjmmi]

Must be still shopping for new cars

[laurentbkk]

France or Germany are not as compliant with such behavior like it can be in Thailand ....I am pretty sure those European temples wont need any embarrassment from such person. He might have some secret Swiss account to be so confident.

[Sunisalom]

He is not a monk. He is a fugitive criminal dress in yellow robe. He never ordained in Ubon, and he does not live by sanskrit, or fully belief in monk life.

He has 22 benz, and a big house in California. Not a monk! Never a monk. He is like a politician, and cover up is like a politician too!

He is not bad for Thailand, because he is not a Buddhism Monk.

Sunisa.

[jalansanitwong]

He's not a monk

Anyone can walk around in an orange frock just like any crook can wear a suit and hang around

Wall st calling themselves bankers.

Its all a matter of appearance.

A farang with strong nerves sporting a decent haircut and wearing an immaculate suit /tie with glossy corporate card could wander around a five star hotel unchallenged.

Just look professional and the Thais will back off. Find the office with unlocked safe and Bobs your Uncle !!

Edited July 13, 2013 by jalansanitwong

[deecee10]

For "key supporter" read well paid PR consultant.

[chooka]

I guess in Thailand it is the bigger the scams the bigger the social status. While this person is taking money from families and living a luxurious life on the French Riviera the families are battling to educate and feed their kids.

[wwest5829]

He is not a monk. He is a fugitive criminal dress in yellow robe. He never ordained in Ubon, and he does not live by sanskrit, or fully belief in monk life.

He has 22 benz, and a big house in California. Not a monk! Never a monk. He is like a politician, and cover up is like a politician too!

He is not bad for Thailand, because he is not a Buddhism Monk.

Sunisa.

He is not a monk. He is a fugitive criminal dress in yellow robe. He never ordained in Ubon, and he does not live by sanskrit, or fully belief in monk life.

He has 22 benz, and a big house in California. Not a monk! Never a monk. He is like a politician, and cover up is like a politician too!

He is not bad for Thailand, because he is not a Buddhism Monk.

Sunisa.

I agree, he is not a monk in reality. However, Kuhn Sunisalom, he causes loss of face for Thailand because he was able to act as a monk and gain great wealth while living in Thailand, claiming to be a Thai Bhuddist Monk. His followers and the Thai laws/regulations allowed this to happen.

[bankei]

he does not live by sanskrit,

How does someone live by sanskrit?

Sanskrit is a language - and not even the language of the Theravada sect to which that monk supposedly belongs - this is Pali.

[rbrooks]

He is not a monk. He is a fugitive criminal dress in yellow robe. He never ordained in Ubon, and he does not live by sanskrit, or fully belief in monk life.

He has 22 benz, and a big house in California. Not a monk! Never a monk. He is like a politician, and cover up is like a politician too!

He is not bad for Thailand, because he is not a Buddhism Monk.

Sunisa.

He is not a monk. He is a fugitive criminal dress in yellow robe. He never ordained in Ubon, and he does not live by sanskrit, or fully belief in monk life.

He has 22 benz, and a big house in California. Not a monk! Never a monk. He is like a politician, and cover up is like a politician too!

He is not bad for Thailand, because he is not a Buddhism Monk.

Sunisa.

I agree, he is not a monk in reality. However, Kuhn Sunisalom, he causes loss of face for Thailand because he was able to act as a monk and gain great wealth while living in Thailand, claiming to be a Thai Bhuddist Monk. His followers and the Thai laws/regulations allowed this to happen.

He is like a Thai soap opera, pure glitz and fantasy, no substance.

[arthurboy]

He is not a monk. He is a fugitive criminal dress in yellow robe. He never ordained in Ubon, and he does not live by sanskrit, or fully belief in monk life.

He has 22 benz, and a big house in California. Not a monk! Never a monk. He is like a politician, and cover up is like a politician too!

He is not bad for Thailand, because he is not a Buddhism Monk.

Sunisa.

He is bad for Thailand because he and other corrupt people like him continue to steal from the people, the people of Thailand.

And as usual, these corrupt people - many of them police, army, politicians, and this so-called monk - can do whatever they want, whenever they want.

And there is nothing anyone can do about it.

Edited July 13, 2013 by arthurboy

[bankei]

From a monastic point of view, there is no permission or supervision for a monk required. He can go overseas, live in any temple, do what he pleases. overseas the Thai Sangha hierarchy has no authority or jurisdiction. However in Thailand there are criminal sanctions for a man to impersonate a monk. Even though the religious rules do not require this, a monk can be disrobed for various reasons.

Overseas a man can dress up as a monk. A man can have sex. A monk can have sex. These are not criminal offences - which they would be in Thailand.

However, what we have here is someone possibly involved in money laundering which is a criminal offence in most countries.

[sirfin]

France or Germany are not as compliant with such behavior like it can be in Thailand ....I am pretty sure those European temples wont need any embarrassment from such person. He might have some secret Swiss account to be so confident.

France and Germany have some really nice cars, maybe he'll get Monk discount...

[bigbamboo]

Waiting to see him return as CEO of 'Temples R Us' and win the Thai businessman of the Year award.

[Doc46]

They WILL take him overseas;He has past his apprenticeship here in Thailand,and SHARE his knowledge.He will be reworded somehow

[WhizBang]

He is not a monk. He is a fugitive criminal dress in yellow robe. He never ordained in Ubon, and he does not live by sanskrit, or fully belief in monk life.

He has 22 benz, and a big house in California. Not a monk! Never a monk. He is like a politician, and cover up is like a politician too!

He is not bad for Thailand, because he is not a Buddhism Monk.

Sunisa.

Cannot disagree with anything you said, except for the last sentence. While I agree he is no monk, he is Thai and that does reflect on Thailand and Thai Buddhism. Edited July 13, 2013 by WhizBang

[moe666]

What is bad for Thailand is the fact they will not take any steps to defrock this scammer, lots of talk but no action, I guess all the head monks trying to get closer to the 12 course meal for their share before closing this guy out

[CIHUAHUA]

Neo-Buddahism transcends the beleif that life is suffering that we suffer when we don't get what we want. Now, in Thailand, it is out with the old way and in with magic gold amulets, new cars, materialism and the desire for more and more and more. Spiritual fulfillment is obtained through monthly payments, the lack of an education and most likely a social security check so that the youth don't have to take care of their parents. We all learn from example.

[pisico]

Waiting to see him return as CEO of 'Temples R Us' and win the Thai businessman of the Year award.

Franchises available?

[hgma]

I am off(topic) making merit.

life is all about making merit, (sin clenching) and it works.

we all all sinners and therefore an unlimited market.

Religion......as long as you make merit,it will serve you well (on both ends)

[geriatrickid]

Ahh, so now that this chap's behaviour is too flamboyant, "he is not a monk".

Up until the scandal broke, he was quite the powerful monk. His activities were no secret last year. Nor the year before.

Now some TVFers say he's not a monk.

Cool.

What exactly is different this year than last year?

Some people are seriously deluding themselves if they think these people are possessed of some sort of magical insight.

Most of these religious icons are not particularly well educated, nor enlightened. Yet the gullible guppies of farangdom, look to them for enlightenment.

Word up: It's not going to happen in this life. And since there is no next life, best to deal with it now.

[Bagwan]

I am off(topic) making merit.

life is all about making merit, (sin clenching) and it works.

we all all sinners and therefore an unlimited market.

Religion......as long as you make merit,it will serve you well (on both ends)

So exactly who awards these merit marks? Sounds more like patting yourself on the back to me.

[blabla1]

There can be no lower disrespect to Buddhism,than making money from the poor, this should be a criminal case, end of story. Should we expel him or not? will you guys get real, remove all his assets and use it to educate an entire province, i gotta get outa here,makes my blood boil..

[winstonc]

He is not a monk. He is a fugitive criminal dress in yellow robe. He never ordained in Ubon, and he does not live by sanskrit, or fully belief in monk life.

He has 22 benz, and a big house in California. Not a monk! Never a monk. He is like a politician, and cover up is like a politician too!

He is not bad for Thailand, because he is not a Buddhism Monk.

Sunisa.

He is not a monk. He is a fugitive criminal dress in yellow robe. He never ordained in Ubon, and he does not live by sanskrit, or fully belief in monk life.

He has 22 benz, and a big house in California. Not a monk! Never a monk. He is like a politician, and cover up is like a politician too!

He is not bad for Thailand, because he is not a Buddhism Monk.

Sunisa.

I agree, he is not a monk in reality. However, Kuhn Sunisalom, he causes loss of face for Thailand because he was able to act as a monk and gain great wealth while living in Thailand, claiming to be a Thai Bhuddist Monk. His followers and the Thai laws/regulations allowed this to happen.

hes been getting away with it because higher monks are also corrupt,why do you think theyv been giving him so long.....so they can get there own house in order...just my ideas..

[Soikhaonoiken]

There can be no lower disrespect to Buddhism,than making money from the poor, this should be a criminal case, end of story. Should we expel him or not? will you guys get real, remove all his assets and use it to educate an entire province, i gotta get outa here,makes my blood boil..

Agree 100%,, He should be jailed.

[Sunisalom]

So TVisa site is all atheists? Nobody here beliefs in god?

ok to joke about no lives after living? and you pray to a no thing.

You can insul all buddhism because of 1 man who is not a reprisentative of monk.

Make me sad in your west way of knocking where you live. don't like it? trying get used to it if you enjoy what you say you enjoy...

Sunisa.