Prayut warns monks against protest march

[Lite Beer]

Prayut warns monks against protest march
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday warned disgruntled monks against going ahead with any plan to protest.

"I must say I ban any march. I will order police to prevent such activities. To the venerable, please go back to the temples," the prime minister said as the divide among monks deepens.

"Conflicts among monks are monks' own affairs. The government will step in only to do laymen's work," added Prayut, who also heads the National Council for Peace and Order.

Martial law is still in place in most parts of the country. It prohibits gatherings of five people or more. Many monks, however, have openly vowed to stage rallies after the committee on the protection of Buddhism placed Dhammakaya Temple, its abbot Phra Dhammachayo and the Sangha Supreme Council under intense public scrutiny.

Several groups of monks and Buddhists warned that they would stage big rallies on March 12 if the committee were not scrapped.

After rocking the country's ecclesiastical circle, the committee decided to conclude its mission yesterday in the face of acute pressure.

"We're done," the committee's chairman Paiboon Nititawan announced at a press conference.

He said the committee had completed its study of Buddhism-related problems and submitted the report to NRC chairman Thienchay Kiranandana.

"We have also successfully raised public awareness of the need to protect Buddhism. So our mission is completed," Paiboon said.

He said although Thienchay continued to support his committee, the job was done. "Besides, there will be little to gain" by remaining when compared with problems that would arise, he said.

After the establishment of the committee, many monks lodged complaints with police against fellow monks.

Or Noi Temple's abbot Phra Buddha Isara, for example, lodged a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division against several monks including acting the Supreme Patriarch.

Phra Maha Show Dassaniyo, an adviser to the Academics for Buddhism Association, lodged a complaint against Phra Buddha Isara, alleging he intimidated the acting Supreme Patriarch.

Paiboon said that as the former chairman of the committee, he could continue to work under the NRC network to investigate irregularities related to Buddhism.

"For example, I will follow up on investigations into the alleged embezzlement at the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative [which gave huge donations to Dhammakaya Temple and its abbot] and look into complaints about monk chiefs' unfair practices against priests under their supervision," he said.

The Department of Special Investigation and the Anti-Money Laundering Office met with the committee recently and vowed to probe the cooperative and Dhammakaya Temple.

Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya yesterday said the authorities had to take action against law violators no matter who they were or what type of organisation was involved.

He responded to criticism over the authorities touching on the sensitive faith issues. "Officials stand by laws," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Prayut-warns-monks-against-protest-march-30255511.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-07

[trogers]

New untouchables?

[chooka]

So when the Mad Monk held a demonstration and protested in blatant breach of martial law, nothing was said and all was ok. The Mad Monk along with suthep helped Prayuth gain ultimate power and are close friends. The other side of the coin wants to do the same and it is sooooooo bad and they are threatened. This definately is not reconciliation but an ultimate display of supreme power and control. Talk about hypocicy, law only applies to some in Thailand.

[smedly]

is it possible that certain large financial holdings in Thailand are being used for money laundering

The Temples Wat's and their financials seem to be a big black hole that are neither scrutinised or transparent - no charity, bank, business, individual, organisation, temple, government office, local authority in Thailand should be beyond fiscal scrutiny or above the law

[thesetat2013]

These monks have been abusing buddhism for so long that they think laws of man dont apply to them. They are worse than the corrupt politicians because they use faith in religion to misguide their followers to increase wealth and power. Unfortunately they are also like politicians in that they will use this wealth and power to prevent prosecution or they will flee as some already have done. Whats worse is that the people really dont see any wrong in what the monks do so they will continue to follow blindly in the hopes they will gain merit. Buddhism has been changing in thailand for a long time now and not along the buddhisms doctorate. P and the authorities need to clean house and take down these people.

On a side note. I was travelling to bkk from the south and i picked up a monk hitchhiking. He claimed to be on his way to the north for some gathering. On my return trip south we saw the sane monk hitchhiking at the same place he was before. While in my car he kept asking my wife for money but i refused. A scam in itself. Every religion is supposed to watch and punish their own. This is not happening here because so many in high positions are doing the same thing. Their needs to be investigations locally and regionally to get rid of this sore.

[arthurboy]

is it possible that certain large financial holdings in Thailand are being used for money laundering

The Temples Wat's and their financials seem to be a big black hole that are neither scrutinised or transparent - no charity, bank, business, individual, organisation, temple, government office, local authority in Thailand should be beyond fiscal scrutiny or above the law

Totally agree.

Given the number of scandals involving temples, abbots and monks over the years linked to huge fortunes, ostentatious unaccounted for wealth and their links to - usually - unnamed people with political and military influence, the answer is a resounding yes.

Without any mechanism for public scrutiny of funds or their sources, Buddhism in Thailand has long been an obvious sanctuary for illegal activities, including money laundering etc. The Klong Chan Credit Union is the latest case in point.

This irreverence for Buddhism and its use as a smokescreen for corrupt, money making practices are apparent even at a local level. In my soi, on numerous occasions, I have observed people buying food from stall holders, donate it to the monks who then give most of it back to the stall holders for resale.

Edited March 6, 2015 by arthurboy

[clockman]

Remember, monks are just men in orange robes!

[Lingba]

very similar to the vatican

[aussieinthailand]

The dirty (corrupt) monks need to be removed, then and only then can they start again, Bring on the Deli lama (Kundun) , he can do the job as HE is the supreme head of Buddhism and not this self appointed self indulged group of people, he even takes on the entire Chinese government and is still here much to their hatred.

Religion and politics,,,,, not a good mix if your on the wrong side of it.

[BSJ]

When I see monks hitchhicking along the highway I say to the wife "Will we pick them up?" .....the answer is always NO. I don't think my good little buddhist trusts monks!

[Chang_paarp]

The dirty (corrupt) monks need to be removed, then and only then can they start again, Bring on the Deli lama (Kundun) , he can do the job as HE is the supreme head of Buddhism and not this self appointed self indulged group of people, he even takes on the entire Chinese government and is still here much to their hatred.

Religion and politics,,,,, not a good mix if your on the wrong side of it.

The current Dali Lama is a fine and honorable man, he is the leader of Tibetan monks of a certain sect. He is not the leader of all Buddhism. He is deeply involved in the politics of his people. He strives to do the best for them against the wishes of the Chinese government. I doubt he will want to become involved in the sordid affairs of the Thai sangha.

[simple1]

The dirty (corrupt) monks need to be removed, then and only then can they start again, Bring on the Deli lama (Kundun) , he can do the job as HE is the supreme head of Buddhism and not this self appointed self indulged group of people, he even takes on the entire Chinese government and is still here much to their hatred.

Religion and politics,,,,, not a good mix if your on the wrong side of it.

The Dalai Lama is not the leader of 'Buddhism'. The Dalai Lama represents Tibetan Buddhism i.e. a school of Mahayana Buddhism.

Buddhism in Thailand is based upon Southern Buddhism or more correctly Theravāda Buddhism.

If you're interested in the differences between the two go to:

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/snapshot02.htm

Edited March 7, 2015 by simple1

[yellowboat]

"Martial law is still in place in most parts of the country. It prohibits gatherings of five people or more."

Seems like martial a bit inconvenient when dealing with real government issues. Best not to live in fear, but to embrace debate.

[chooka]

"Martial law is still in place in most parts of the country. It prohibits gatherings of five people or more."

Seems like martial a bit inconvenient when dealing with real government issues. Best not to live in fear, but to embrace debate.

It only prohibits gatherings and demonstrations for some. Those aligned to the PM are free to break the law without fear of any consequences what so ever.

[oneday]

Monks of Thailand...haven't you heard...freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and Democracy have been suspended for the foreseeable future.

[thefactoryoutlet]

Is he going to warn the whole world ?

Cannot stand all his BS anymore.

[kriswillems]

If other monks than watthammagaay would be protesting, I would support it.

But Watthammagaay is one of the most controversial and rich Buddhist organisations in Thailand and a cleanup would be more than welcome.

I do however support the right on freedom of speech and I think they should have the right to protest (I am against the martial law),

just like the government should have the right to cleanup corrupt organisations.

[Wilsonandson]

The saffron revolution is now happening in Thailand not Burma. I'm sure the 2006 coup leader was a muslim, is PM Payuth also of the same faith?

If so then Buddhism in Thailand is under threat.

[Srikcir]

Gen. Prayut: I am not a dictator. It's not like I can order people.

"I must say I ban any march. I will order police to prevent such activities."

He wil have to order police as there is currently no civil law that forbids such assembly. What's the point of having martial law if you can't bend it to your advantage? With the new constitution, there will be a civil ban on such activities that police can enforce on their own. Thailand will then become a constitutional police state then.

[Wilsonandson]

He responded to criticism over the authorities touching on the sensitive faith issues. "Officials stand by laws," he said.

So insulting Buddhism in Thailand is a law, well excuse me, I didn't know. Has the eradication of the Shinawatra clan brought this new law of hurting your fellow Buddhists into force. How proud you must be PM, are we living in democracy or communism?

[simple1]

The saffron revolution is now happening in Thailand not Burma. I'm sure the 2006 coup leader was a muslim, is PM Payuth also of the same faith?

If so then Buddhism in Thailand is under threat.

Buddhist

[lvr181]

All peoples of Thailand should be subject to the laws of the land and respect the laws, whether you are PM, politician, people in authority, a religious leader or a religious follower! NO EXCEPTIONS! And that includes the rich and the hiso's!

[seajae]

all the monks are worried about is their own personal corruption being exposed, the general is spot on here, they need to be investigated and all the corrupt practices exposed. I also notice that those complaining are the usual red/ptp lovers, strange that the biggest suspect wats are all in the red/ptp areas and one in particular is supported by thaksin. The monks need to be investigated, anyone saying any different are simply being ignorant of the facts, the monks are just as corrupt as the police who were also lorded over by thaksin, time for some people to pull their heads out of their ....... and admit the truth

[Wilsonandson]

All peoples of Thailand should be subject to the laws of the land and respect the laws, whether you are PM, politician, people in authority, a religious leader or a religious follower! NO EXCEPTIONS! And that includes the rich and the hiso's!

Wrong only temples aligned with The Shinawatras must be framed for corruption.

[LuckyLew]

Monks and Buddhism are becoming more and more like the catholic church

Just brush it all under the carpet and pretend there are no issues

[harryfrompattaya]

is it possible that certain large financial holdings in Thailand are being used for money laundering

The Temples Wat's and their financials seem to be a big black hole that are neither scrutinised or transparent - no charity, bank, business, individual, organisation, temple, government office, local authority in Thailand should be beyond fiscal scrutiny or above the law

Now tell me your are Monk

How can you say what you say I bet you do not any religions groups?

Since you never go to Church why would like Buddhism

I pray for your soul

[tif]

Monks of Thailand...haven't you heard...freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and Democracy have been suspended for the foreseeable future.

Don't fret, won't last long ...

[tif]

is it possible that certain large financial holdings in Thailand are being used for money laundering

The Temples Wat's and their financials seem to be a big black hole that are neither scrutinised or transparent - no charity, bank, business, individual, organisation, temple, government office, local authority in Thailand should be beyond fiscal scrutiny or above the law

Now tell me your are Monk

How can you say what you say I bet you do not any religions groups?

Since you never go to Church why would like Buddhism

I pray for your soul

[Chris Lawrence]

I saw a better report at Reuters that gives a better explanation than the OP.

It was dated 2nd March.

http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2015/03/02/activist-monk-seeks-buddhism-overhaul-in-thailand-over-corruption-fears/

"Activist monk seeks Buddhism overhaul in Thailand over corruption fears"

[jdinasia]

The dirty (corrupt) monks need to be removed, then and only then can they start again, Bring on the Deli lama (Kundun) , he can do the job as HE is the supreme head of Buddhism and not this self appointed self indulged group of people, he even takes on the entire Chinese government and is still here much to their hatred.

Religion and politics,,,,, not a good mix if your on the wrong side of it.

Pardon me, but HH the Dalai Lama is not the "supreme head of Buddhism", he isn't even from the same branch.

There indeed needs to be some real oversight regarding temple finances in Thailand.