Tiger’s Temple faces eight counts of charges

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Tiger’s Temple faces eight counts of charges

KANCHANBURI:-- The Office of Land Reform for Agriculture will ask the National Buddhism Office to revoke the licence of the Tiger’s Temple or Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno in Kanchanaburi for the use of almost 400 rai of reform land for the keeping of over 130 tigers and other wild animals.

It was reported that the temple had misused the land for purposes than those specified. Also, it was alleged that the temple had illegally encroached on forested land adjacent to the reform land allowed to be used by the temple.

The last of the 137 tigers was moved out of the temple on Saturday to Khao Pratap Chang and Khao Son wildlife breeding centres in Chom Boeng district of Ratchaburi. But there are still some wildlife species left on the temple ground which include horse, wild boar, buffaloes, antelope and barking deer.

Mr Adisorn Nutdamrong, deputy director of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation, said that the department would work out how to deal with the protected species still left in the temple as the temple ground is spacious and it is not easy to catch them without harming them.

Charges have so far been lodged against three monks and tow lay followers with Saiyok district police by the department.

Regarding the abbot of the temple, Phra Visutthisarnthera or Luangta Chan, it was alleged by one of the followers that that abbot left the temple on May 29 and his whereabout remains unknown.

However, informed sources said that Luangta Chan would be summoned for questioning. Meanwhile, authorities will expand their investigation to determine whether the temple was involved in the illegal trade of protected wildlife species or not.

Saiyok district police chief Pol Col Bandhit Muangsukham said that eight counts of charges had been lodged against the temple by the Department of National Parks,

Wildlife and Plants Conservation. He disclosed that the temple had illegally encroached on over 1,000 rai of land.

Regarding the 72 employees of Tiger’s Temple Company who were made redundant after the closure of the temple, offices of employment service, social security and workers’ welfare protection have stepped in to help them.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/166085

-- Thai PBS 2016-06-05

[worgeordie]

So the Abbot's done a runner,no doubt with the loot.

well he had plenty of time to organise the getaway.

regards worgeordie

[halloween]

Anybody got an position vacant for a tiger skinner?

Edited June 5, 2016 by halloween

[sjjmmi]

And the Head Monk legged it Amazing Thailand

Edited June 5, 2016 by sjjmmi

[starky]

Not even worth commenting on we all know how this turns out no charges actually prosecuted and back in business shortly. Will say however how hard is it to catch tigers that are chained to the deck?

Edited June 5, 2016 by starky

[ChrisY1]

Starky is correct....we all know where this will go.....an assault of the buddhist ways....doubted very much!

The abbot is sitting pretty after a comfortable1st class flight to somewhere away from the madding crowd......the cruel, athiest prick!

[boomerangutang]

Reminds me of when a Thai bus is in an accident, it sometimes happens that the driver goes running out into the adjoining rice field, never to be seen or heard of again by authorities. Do any of those alleged criminals have passports? If so, confiscate them. Though, too late for the head monk.

[webfact]

Tiger Temple facing permanent shut down for state land encroachment



KANCHANABURI: -- The well-known Tiger Temple is likely to face permanent closure and has its land taken back by the state for encroaching on land allocated for farming purpose.

As far as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation investigated, the Tiger Temple occupies a total of 1,456 rai of land.

The large piece of land was initially found to have encroached on the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative’s reform land for farming purpose or known as Sor Por Kor (SPK) land.

SPK land was allocated only to landless farmers for farming purpose and can’t be sold.

But initial investigation showed large parts of the land used and occupied by the Tiger Temple are SPK land.

The park officials will examine thoroughly official documents of the land title deeds owned by the temple to see if any of them are SPK lands.

If they are SPK lands, the department will propose the ministry to take action and seize them back for distribution to landless farmers for farming.

It was very likely the temple will be shut down permanently and the over 100 staff and employees at the temple will be left jobless.

Park officials said so far two civilians and three monks are to face charges of having carcasses and parts of protected and endangered species in possession without official permits.

They are also cooperating with a special police team to investigate if the temple was engaged in illegal wildlife trade.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/166053


-- Thai PBS 2016-06-06

[Thechook]

So this is all about land encroachment and not about animal abuse and trafficking. Well talk about watering the problem down for the international community

Edited June 5, 2016 by Thechook

[NongKhaiKid]

The BBC have given the story quite pointed coverage.

End his report Jonathan Head asked two pertinent questions,

1 ) how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ? and

2 ) where else in Thailand is this sort of thing happening ?

The next obvious question is, will there ever be any answers ?

[boomerangutang]

The BBC have given the story quite pointed coverage.

End his report Jonathan Head asked two pertinent questions,

1 ) how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ? and

2 ) where else in Thailand is this sort of thing happening ?

The next obvious question is, will there ever be any answers ?

"how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ?"

Short answer: This is Thailand. Without young farang taking it upon themselves to break the story, the tiger factory would still be going, albeit with just rumors swirling around. Thais are too indoctrinated in required respect for elders/sangha/VIP's/rich people, etc. Add to that, the Thai propensity to not rock the boat of convention, .....and it's plain that Thais would not have blown the lid off this story, without farang first exposing it.

Plus, it was a dangerous situation for the farang during the months the one or two were gathering evidence. They should be publicly praised for taking serious risks, with investigating. Some sort of official commendation from Thai authorities, at least.

They risked physical harm and legal trouble (visa, prison), and spent their own money, .......yet they don't even get a 'thank you' from Thai authorities - for saving added tigers from getting killed and sent to China.

[MaiChai]

The land encroachment charges are probably to ensure that Tiger Temple can never operate again.

[NongKhaiKid]

The BBC have given the story quite pointed coverage.

End his report Jonathan Head asked two pertinent questions,

1 ) how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ? and

2 ) where else in Thailand is this sort of thing happening ?

The next obvious question is, will there ever be any answers ?

"how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ?"

Short answer: This is Thailand. Without young farang taking it upon themselves to break the story, the tiger factory would still be going, albeit with just rumors swirling around. Thais are too indoctrinated in required respect for elders/sangha/VIP's/rich people, etc. Add to that, the Thai propensity to not rock the boat of convention, .....and it's plain that Thais would not have blown the lid off this story, without farang first exposing it.

Plus, it was a dangerous situation for the farang during the months the one or two were gathering evidence. They should be publicly praised for taking serious risks, with investigating. Some sort of official commendation from Thai authorities, at least.

They risked physical harm and legal trouble (visa, prison), and spent their own money, .......yet they don't even get a 'thank you' from Thai authorities - for saving added tigers from getting killed and sent to China.

Right on the head ! So much that's wrong here is down to the system which indoctrinates people to know their place, not to complain and most definitely who they should NEVER complain about. For obvious reasons it may be worse than usual at the minute.

Those running the show at any given time are happy to keep the system going as it's in their favour so education and reform are dirty words.

[The stuttering parrot]

Might be to late now but as reported in the other thread Tanya who's been there for 6 years and the save the Tigers of the tiger temple mob should be rounded up for questioning also.

Don't use the I'm so shocked defence or I had no idea.

They might have bolted by now but I asked before how does Tanya who studied animal animation get a job at the tiger temple for 6 years without qualifications

Now comments on their site since May 29th after still trying to justify the temples actions

[williamgeorgeallen]

The BBC have given the story quite pointed coverage.

End his report Jonathan Head asked two pertinent questions,

1 ) how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ? and

2 ) where else in Thailand is this sort of thing happening ?

The next obvious question is, will there ever be any answers ?

"how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ?"

Short answer: This is Thailand. Without young farang taking it upon themselves to break the story, the tiger factory would still be going, albeit with just rumors swirling around. Thais are too indoctrinated in required respect for elders/sangha/VIP's/rich people, etc. Add to that, the Thai propensity to not rock the boat of convention, .....and it's plain that Thais would not have blown the lid off this story, without farang first exposing it.

Plus, it was a dangerous situation for the farang during the months the one or two were gathering evidence. They should be publicly praised for taking serious risks, with investigating. Some sort of official commendation from Thai authorities, at least.

They risked physical harm and legal trouble (visa, prison), and spent their own money, .......yet they don't even get a 'thank you' from Thai authorities - for saving added tigers from getting killed and sent to China.

i guess in this case a good deed is its own reward. i have not read anything about young foreigners helping to expose what was going on. they have big balls thats for sure. events would make a great movie.

[bendejo]

This story has been picked up by the international press, so expect the animal rights people to make a lot of noise. Who knows, it might get past tweeting and other displays of outrage.

[mesterm]

"However, informed sources said that Luangta Chan would be summoned for questioning."

Yeah, that'll work.

[The stuttering parrot]

^ ^

He should head to the flying saucer temple!

[sanukjim]

So,Will they put the temple in jail ?

[slapout]

If the temple encroached on SPK land, any paper they have showing ownership is a forgery, so press criminal charges against the individuals involved, not the temple. They have 5 gophers, they are said to be bringing charges against. I doubt any were involved in the multi million baht income generated there. They probably were never to touch funds except what was doled out on payday.

Thailand, where it seems those bad guys are telling the so called good guys how things are / will be done. And the instructions certainly are not for the good of the general public who have been scammed out of billions of baht.

[klauskunkel]

The BBC have given the story quite pointed coverage.

End his report Jonathan Head asked two pertinent questions,

1 ) how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ? and

2 ) where else in Thailand is this sort of thing happening ?

The next obvious question is, will there ever be any answers ?

... and another question: which country is harboring the abbot?

[English 1]

These cruel so called Monks are hiding behind their orange dresses well knowing the Police are too superstitious to treat them as the crooks that they so obviously are!

As for animal cruelty in general the whole Elephant situation needs inspecting.

Pattaya Zoo and the cruelty inflicted on Elephants by severe whippings and Bears forced to sit unnaturally for hours to be photographed having sharp stick poked into their armpits!

Thai is far from a caring country regarding animals.

[hobobo]

"Regarding the 72 employees of Tiger’s Temple Company who were made redundant after the closure of the temple, offices of employment service, social security and workers’ welfare protection have stepped in to help them."

So they'll just be left off the hook? How about charging them with accessories to the crimes committed by the three main monkeys

[Keesters]

These cruel so called Monks are hiding behind their orange dresses well knowing the Police are too superstitious to treat them as the crooks that they so obviously are!

As for animal cruelty in general the whole Elephant situation needs inspecting.

Pattaya Zoo and the cruelty inflicted on Elephants by severe whippings and Bears forced to sit unnaturally for hours to be photographed having sharp stick poked into their armpits!

Thai is far from a caring country regarding animals.

Pattaya Zoo. Lived here 30 years and didn't know we had a Zoo. Where is it? Please tell.

[dieseldave1951]

i suspect this was knownabout for a long time, but the brown envolope kept it out of the lime light

The BBC have given the story quite pointed coverage.

End his report Jonathan Head asked two pertinent questions,

1 ) how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ? and

2 ) where else in Thailand is this sort of thing happening ?

The next obvious question is, will there ever be any answers ?

"how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ?"

Short answer: This is Thailand. Without young farang taking it upon themselves to break the story, the tiger factory would still be going, albeit with just rumors swirling around. Thais are too indoctrinated in required respect for elders/sangha/VIP's/rich people, etc. Add to that, the Thai propensity to not rock the boat of convention, .....and it's plain that Thais would not have blown the lid off this story, without farang first exposing it.

Plus, it was a dangerous situation for the farang during the months the one or two were gathering evidence. They should be publicly praised for taking serious risks, with investigating. Some sort of official commendation from Thai authorities, at least.

They risked physical harm and legal trouble (visa, prison), and spent their own money, .......yet they don't even get a 'thank you' from Thai authorities - for saving added tigers from getting killed and sent to China.

[Bob12345]

The BBC have given the story quite pointed coverage.

End his report Jonathan Head asked two pertinent questions,

1 ) how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ? and

2 ) where else in Thailand is this sort of thing happening ?

The next obvious question is, will there ever be any answers ?

"how was the temple able to operate for such a long period ?"

Short answer: This is Thailand. Without young farang taking it upon themselves to break the story, the tiger factory would still be going, albeit with just rumors swirling around. Thais are too indoctrinated in required respect for elders/sangha/VIP's/rich people, etc. Add to that, the Thai propensity to not rock the boat of convention, .....and it's plain that Thais would not have blown the lid off this story, without farang first exposing it.

Plus, it was a dangerous situation for the farang during the months the one or two were gathering evidence. They should be publicly praised for taking serious risks, with investigating. Some sort of official commendation from Thai authorities, at least.

They risked physical harm and legal trouble (visa, prison), and spent their own money, .......yet they don't even get a 'thank you' from Thai authorities - for saving added tigers from getting killed and sent to China.

Right on the head ! So much that's wrong here is down to the system which indoctrinates people to know their place, not to complain and most definitely who they should NEVER complain about. For obvious reasons it may be worse than usual at the minute.

Those running the show at any given time are happy to keep the system going as it's in their favour so education and reform are dirty words.

Exactly.

There are no checks-and-balances; the shit only comes down.

Make sure you get to the top and you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.

[tuanku]

These cruel so called Monks are hiding behind their orange dresses well knowing the Police are too superstitious to treat them as the crooks that they so obviously are!

As for animal cruelty in general the whole Elephant situation needs inspecting.

Pattaya Zoo and the cruelty inflicted on Elephants by severe whippings and Bears forced to sit unnaturally for hours to be photographed having sharp stick poked into their armpits!

Thai is far from a caring country regarding animals.

And this place which is the Tiger Temple on steroids. Sriracha Tiger zoo.

[swerver]

Starky is correct....we all know where this will go.....an assault of the buddhist ways....doubted very much!

The abbot is sitting pretty after a comfortable1st class flight to somewhere away from the madding crowd......the cruel, athiest prick!

"athiest" NO SUCH WORD.

or do you mean "Atheist"??? If you are then you are also wrong because you have no evidence he is an "Atheist" because Atheists pretty well follow the same principles as Buddha and for sure this Tiger Temple (all of them involved) didn't come within miles (kilometers) of Buddha's principles.

Atheist

Don’t have to prove anything because there is nothing to prove

“An atheist is like the lion running for its dinner - victory is desirable but not crucial.”

Have another nice day in LOS

[tuanku]

If you think the tiger temple was appalling, please read this;

https://awionline.org/content-types-orchid-legacy/awi-quarterly/too-close-comfort

TIGER PARTS SOLD FOR TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE?

Further in the report we may find the real reason for the production of all these tigers: "In December 2000 EIA investigators found tiger bone pills manufactured buy the Ouay Un factory for sale in the Sri Racha Health Traditional Medicine Clinic, on the premises of Sri Racha Tiger Zoo. Furthermore, in a study by TRAFFIC in 2000, a Chinatown store owner in Bangkok told investigators that he buys tiger penis from the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo." The use of tiger parts in TCM is illegal in Thailand and China but its use is still popular with many sectors of the Asian community.

THAI AUTHORITIES CRACK DOWN.

In November 2003 Sri Racha Zoo was raided and the Police found several hundred animals the owners could not properly account for. This was part of a wider crack-down. In the same month a police raid on a Bankok home fond piles of fresh tiger meat alongside the paws of slaughtered bears; in the home of a known dealer more than 100 animals, alive and dead, plus six live tigers were discovered. The fact there were raids at all is significant. For decades Thailand's heritage of teak forests and richly varied wildlife has fallen prey to grasping politicians, military officers and ruthless entrepreneurs, largely ignored by the government. However, the current Prime Minister, former billionaire tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, has changed course and last autumn launched a crackdown on the trade, claiming he would have it cleared up by the end of 2003! The Minister of the Environment has recently increased the jail term for wildlife smugglers from four years to 10 years. Excellent news. http://www.world66.com/asia/southeastasia/thailand/pattaya/sights/srirachatigerzoo

But, behind the happy scenes, questions are being asked about this zoo and the animals it breeds in such numbers: where do all the tigers go? And is a shipment of 100 live tigers to China the tip of an illicit trade that serves the demand for tiger meat and folk medicine or aphrodisiacs concocted from ground bones?

This week, one of the zoo's owners, Sommai Temsiripong, faces charges for breeding tigers without a permit. It may well prove to be the opening phase of the great Thailand tiger scandal.

http://hubpages.com/animals/Sri-Racha-Tiger-Zoo

[Usual Suspect]

Never mind what's just been uncovered here, but how long have certain people in power been allowing the actions of this temple to go on..?

If the temple's been allowed to make big, big money, then many folk outside the temple walls will have been creaming their share too.

Somehow tho' I doubt that net will ever be cast.