Wat Phailom abbot asks for fair treatment from DSI over occupation of Jaquar classic car

[rooster59]

Wat Phailom abbot asks for fair treatment from DSI over occupation of Jaquar classic car

BANGKOK: The abbot of Wat Phailom temple in Nakhon Pathom province Phra Khru Palad Sitthiwattana, also popularly known as ‘Luang Phi Namfon' yesterday questioned why the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) wanted to examine and check the classic 1977 Jaguar automobile belonging to him despite the fact that the DSI itself has examined and certified two years ago that it was all legal.

However he said he didn’t mind the twist in the probe but asked for fair treatment.

The abbot became the second senior monk whose classic vehicle is facing probe for alleged tax avoidance, and illegally imported.

DSI requested the abbot for questioning on the occupation of the classic vehicle and handing it to DSI for thorough inspection on March 2.

Luang Pi Nam Fon said he had no problem with the request as the vehicle has been legally imported and registered and the DSI was welcomed to make a second inspection on the vehicle.

The black Jaguar engined 1977 Panther classic English automobile, registered under Kor Kor 1177 plate, was the subject of a controversy two years ago when it came under the Department of Special Investigations probe as one of the illegally registered vehicles owned by several monks in the country.

Yesterday Luang Pi Namfon revealed that a thorough investigation was carried out on October 25, 2013 and the DSI had found that the vehicle was legally registered as a locally assembled vehicle from parts which were also legally imported since 2011.

All of its documents from assembly license, registration and taxes were in order, he said.

The vehicle was a donation from one of the abbot’s disciples who was living in the United States at the time and all legal requirements

The car has only ever been used once in 2014 in the funeral ceremony for Somdej Kiew Uppaseno, the abbot of Wat Sra Kaew temple, he recalled.

Since then it has been parked as an exhibit and is regularly photographed by visitors to the temple, he said.

But he said the recent request from the DSI for the temple to transport the vehicle to them for another inspection on March 2raised the important question on why it is deemed necessary for another inspection when the first had already cleared it.

He showed original official documents certified by six DSI officials on October 25, 2013 in the first inspection.

The DSI called in a committee which included specialists to carry out the inspection and the verdict was that the car was correctly registered in every respect, he said.

“That was 2 years ago but now I am surprised that another inspection has been ordered! The car has not been used and its starter motor has seized. The gears have also failed as they have not been used and it has remained at the temple as it cannot go anywhere under its own power,” he stated.

He also showed the car’s registration booklet and annual road tax payment of 11,700 baht every year.

He then asked if the car was illegal, how could tax be paid every year.

He also dismissed allegation that his temple owned several classic cars saying there was only one classic car and a van to transport monks to religious functions.

The abbot asked for fair treatment as there were more than 6,000 other suspect classic and luxurious vehicles not owned by monks in the country that have yet to be investigated.

He also asked the DSI to come to the temple Monday to inspect the car, instead of asking the temple to transport it to the DSI for check.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/152668

-- Thai PBS 2016-02-27

[jcsmith]

Nothing says piety like a jaguar.

[iReason]

Looks like they are eating well...

[NongKhaiKid]

Two years ago the DSI was under different management with very different priorities.

Is asking for ' fair treatment ' code for ' turn a blind eye ' ?

[Briggsy]

Two years ago the DSI was under different management with very different priorities.

Is asking for ' fair treatment ' code for ' turn a blind eye ' ?

Possibly yes. It could also mean "no trumped-up charges to discredit me, please".

Both scenarios are feasible.

[NongKhaiKid]

Two years ago the DSI was under different management with very different priorities.

Is asking for ' fair treatment ' code for ' turn a blind eye ' ?

Possibly yes. It could also mean "no trumped-up charges to discredit me, please".

Both scenarios are feasible.

Agreed but why should monks be exempt from being stitched up like everybody else ?

[rkidlad]

If the DSI checked on the Jaguar two years ago and all was well, you've got nothing to worry about. Unless, they chose to ingore some important details or the new DSI has it in for you.

Either way, you can't enjoy the benefits of corruption that hurts so many and then complain when it hurts you. That would be hypocritical. Not very Biddhist at all.

[Scouse Twoccer]

Nothing says piety like a jaguar.

It's neither a Jaguar nor a classic.

[rreddin]

Nothing says piety like a jaguar.

It is a Panther, not a Jaguar. The OP says "The black Jaguar engined 1977 Panther classic English automobile,". Panther models with Jaguar engines were the J72 and the de Ville. Both offered either the 3.8 Ltr straight 6 engine from the E-Type or the 5.3 Ltr V12 engine. In the UK, the current prices if these vehicles are 35K to 40K GBP for the J72; and circa 45K GPB for the de Ville. In 2012, a 1976 rag top V12 de Ville sold in the States for $135,000. When it was new, the de Ville was the most expensive listed car made in Britain.

So, if a Jaguar says "piety", what does a Panther say?

Panther J72

Panther de Ville

[worgeordie]

This temple has a Jaguar,while another has Tigers.

regards worgeordie

[jacky54]

where did he get the money from to buy it? fair treatment would be de frocking IMO.

[WhizBang]

These 'monks' (and I use the word very loosley), are about as Buddhist as I am. They are all a disgrace and should be immediately drummed out of the monkhood. They are the antithesis of what the Buddha stood for. As with so many things in Thailand, they are fake.

[Roomuck]

where did he get the money from to buy it? fair treatment would be de frocking IMO.

I suggest you read the article before sentencing him to a defrocking. He didn't buy it.

[Emster23]

Is a "Jaquar" automobile anything like the fake "Gibsun" guitars for sale here? It must be upsetting to see a change in regimes and have slightly different group to "donate" to.

[klauskunkel]

Two years ago the DSI was under different management with very different priorities.

Is asking for ' fair treatment ' code for ' turn a blind eye ' ?

Possibly yes. It could also mean "no trumped-up charges to discredit me, please".

Both scenarios are feasible.

Agreed but why should monks be exempt from being stitched up like everybody else ?

If you don't exempt them, they will black-magic you and you will never win the lottery. Ever.

[Surin1969]

and poor pepeoles stil give money and food to Temple for Monk and the Temple have so money

[ratcatcher]

where did he get the money from to buy it? fair treatment would be de frocking IMO.

I suggest you read the article before sentencing him to a defrocking. He didn't buy it.

Be kind Roo, reading can be such a chore to some.

"The vehicle was a donation from one of the abbot’s disciples who was living in the United States at the time and all legal requirements"

[Surin1969]

where did he get the money from to buy it? fair treatment would be de frocking IMO.

from poor pepeoles :-)

[Gunna]

The story in the Nation has extra info

The DSI source acknowledged that the DSI had examined Phra Palat Sittiwat's vehicle in 2013 but the monk was told that he needed to provide additional information.

"But he has not submitted any further documents," the source said.

He added that in addition to the different car brands in the documents, the DSI noticed that documents showed auto parts were imported from the United States and Singapore around the same time via the same agent.

"We suspect these auto parts might have in fact been imported in the same lot," this source said.

And we all know Tharit was useless as head of DSI - all he did was chase people opposed to PTP as a lapdog for the man in Dubai.

eg

The DSI director-general won praise from Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung who applauded him for his ability to respond to government policy.

Mr Chalerm, who appears to be softening his stance against Mr Tharit, said yesterday the DSI director-general had shown he knows how to toe the line.

Edited February 27, 2016 by Gunna

[Ulic]

where did he get the money from to buy it? fair treatment would be de frocking IMO.

Well.....In the article it says it was a gift/donation from disciple living in America so he did not

need money to buy it.

Edited February 27, 2016 by Ulic

[LannaGuy]

I would suggest he thinks about asking Buddha for a 'fair' hearing as he tries to explain this 'new' take on the precepts

[ratcatcher]

Wat Phailom abbot asks for fair treatment from DSI over occupation of Jaquar classic car.

The occupation of the Panther (Jaguar powered) was as a vehicle manufactured to carry people who wanted a classic Jaguar SS100 but couldn't afford or acquire one.

Panther J72 - 1972 Jaguar SS100 - 1937

Clearly there is a remarkable similarity for a copy car.

[sawadee1947]

These 'monks' (and I use the word very loosley), are about as Buddhist as I am. They are all a disgrace and should be immediately drummed out of the monkhood. They are the antithesis of what the Buddha stood for. As with so many things in Thailand, they are fake.

When I came into this country "our" monk in the village told me about shortage of novices. Years later fully tattoed men came from Burma, pretending to be prosecuted (what might be right because of crimes...) and looking for shelter in Thailand. Temples were the right place to hide (see Suthep)

Don't tell me it was about "buddhism". It's all about money. So here the Panther. Monks are as greedy as you and me or your neighbor.....

As punishment for the monk...? He has to maintain and repair that car life time, but not allowed to drive. Driver is PM...5555

[Wilsonandson]

The car in question.

[sanukjim]

Nothing says piety like a jaguar.

It is a Panther, not a Jaguar. The OP says "The black Jaguar engined 1977 Panther classic English automobile,". Panther models with Jaguar engines were the J72 and the de Ville. Both offered either the 3.8 Ltr straight 6 engine from the E-Type or the 5.3 Ltr V12 engine. In the UK, the current prices if these vehicles are 35K to 40K GBP for the J72; and circa 45K GPB for the de Ville. In 2012, a 1976 rag top V12 de Ville sold in the States for $135,000. When it was new, the de Ville was the most expensive listed car made in Britain.

So, if a Jaguar says "piety", what does a Panther say? Also spied an Excalibur kit car in Minburi last week,anyone know about this car ?

Panther J72

Panther J72.jpg

Panther de Ville

Panther de Ville.jpg

So,What does the docs say? Jaguar or Panther ?

Edited February 27, 2016 by sanukjim

[Pigdog747]

where did he get the money from to buy it? fair treatment would be de frocking IMO.

I suggest you read the article before sentencing him to a defrocking. He didn't buy it.

Be kind Roo, reading can be such a chore to some.

"The vehicle was a donation from one of the abbot’s disciples who was living in the United States at the time and all legal requirements"

So does this mean that if I send 2,000,000 baht to my brother over there in North America because he's my brother and he in return to thank me for my generosity, he sends me a Lexes LS as a gift (donation), valued over here around 12,500.000 baht it would be OK and I shouldn't have to pay taxes?? Any one saying that they are a Monk, let alone an Abbot who has acquired expensive vehicles/toys while saying they are followers of Buda should be defrocked. Many are just living the life of luxury off the backs of the poor and should be treated for what they are,.....

[Wilsonandson]

It's a chick magnet!

[ratcatcher]

It's a chick magnet!

Yeah and that's only a Morgan. Imagine what an SS100 would do for the birds?

[jaiyenyen]

If it's a non-runner like he says, why is he still paying road tax on it?

[Bkungbank]

Monk not allow to drive so for what buying expensive cars. should lead a simple life as he not earning any income coming from donation these money should spend on religion gain not personal gain.