Chiang Mai forest caretaker: Phra Budda Isara does not encroach on forest land

[webfact]

Forest caretaker: Phra Budda Isara does not encroach on forest land



CHIANG MAI -- A caretaker of a forest land plot in Mae Wang district of Chiang Mai has dismissed allegations that Phra Budda Isara, the abbot of Wat Or Noi in Nakhon Pathom, has illegally occupied the land.

Speaking in defence of the controversial abbot, Mr Uthen Payapwattanawong, said that Phra Budda Isara did not encroach on the forest land plot as alleged but, instead, was the one who turned the tree-less land plot into a forest through reforestation.

He explained that Phra Budda Isara talked the people who owned the land who are mostly government officials to give up their land. The monk also bought other adjoining land plots and altogether 300 rai of land were acquired, he said.

Uthen went on saying that then Phra Budda Isara launched reforestation on the 300-rai land plot in 2014 starting with 100,000 trees on the first year followed by another 80,000 trees on the second year and, lately, another 10,000 trees.

He said that the monk was fully aware that there are no official documents for the land plot in question and the land will be returned to the state in 10 years after it was, hopefully, reforested.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/172576-2/


-- Thai PBS 2016-07-15

[Alive]

This really should be investigated further. This land was bought before or after he was overthrowing the past government? How much land does this monk have and in whose names. Where did the money come from? What are the names of the government officials who owned this land and which political parties are they affiliated with. Why shouldn't the officials be prosecuted? Why does this monk go after some officials but ignore others if they do deals with him? This whole thing stinks and this monk's past and financial dealings need to be uncovered.

[Classic Ray]

I would be interested to know what species of trees were planted, if they will yield any saleable products like fruit or wood, who gets the benefit from that, and whether the land will really be returned to the people/government as stated.

[jesimps]

I don't know about forest land but that foul piece of

.... encroaches on my good humour.

[Srikcir]

there are no official documents for the land plot in question

But Isara's word is sufficient that he did not encroach on the forest land plot. Unlike many other alleged owners who failed to produce legal transfer papers and boundaries scrutinized by aerial surveilance, losing to authorities their claims of ownership.

Unequal justice for unequal people. Asi es la Vida.

[rooster59]

Monk admits encroaching forest but to reforest the area

CHIANG MAI: Phra Budda Isara has admitted that he encroached on forest reserves in Chiang Mai’s Mae Wang district but with an intention to reforest the area.

The abbot of Wat Or Noi in Nakhon Pathom went to the Forest Department on Friday to hand over documents to forest officials and to express his readiness to face legal consequences for his forest encroachment.

Phra Budda Isara said that the encroached area in national forest reserves was about 300 rai and not 3,000 rai as wrongly reported. He noted that the area in question was stripped of forest cover and he decided to plant trees on it.

The abbot went on saying that he had been reforesting denuded forests since 1989 and had reforested about 1,000 rai so far.

He called on the Forest Department to take legal action against all forest encroachers, including himself.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/monk-admits-encroaching-forest-reforest-area/

-- Thai PBS 2016-07-16

[NongKhaiKid]

So he admits encroachment but for the very best of reasons of course and will return the land to the state in 10 years after his work is completed !

Do we take it that's the end of the story ?

[shirtless]

The land was owned by the state yet sold off , Where are the officials who illegally sold this land, follow the money trail

[zaZa9]

"He explained that Phra Budda Isara talked the people who owned the land who are mostly government officials ..."

Gee , funny that ....

[sahibji]

encroachment is illegal, whatever the intentions.

only a thorough investigation will reveal the acquisition

process and the encroachment.

enforcement action can then be taken.

[clockman]

Thainess, personified!

[ezzra]

I could never understand this insatiable appetite of temples to own and control vast tracks of land while

all they really need is a place to worship, meditate and for dwellings of novices and monks, yet, many

temples around the country are in control of many hundreds even thousands rai of land, for what? if all

they suppose to be and do enlighten, teach and guide while keeping very modest life style.....

[Eric Loh]

Is encroachment illegally? Yes.

Did he encroach on illegal land? Yes.

He is guilty as charge and no exception.

[harada]

I could never understand this insatiable appetite of temples to own and control vast tracks of land while

all they really need is a place to worship, meditate and for dwellings of novices and monks, yet, many

temples around the country are in control of many hundreds even thousands rai of land, for what? if all

they suppose to be and do enlighten, teach and guide while keeping very modest life style.....

I think that the modest lifestyle thing has fallen by the wayside in the majority of cases from what I've seen over the last few years.

[SOTIRIOS]

...some people have been encroaching for a decade or more...and generating revenue.....

...would seem illegal...yet never a word about seizing their ill-gotten gains.....

...this man has essentially been reforesting ....he should be rewarded.....

...and go after the real criminals....

[12DrinkMore]

I could never understand this insatiable appetite of temples to own and control vast tracks of land while

all they really need is a place to worship, meditate and for dwellings of novices and monks, yet, many

temples around the country are in control of many hundreds even thousands rai of land, for what? if all

they suppose to be and do enlighten, teach and guide while keeping very modest life style.....

We all understand.

Religion is the biggest commercial enterprise on the globe.

They claim freedom to do as they please in the name of whatever tripe they are flogging, tax exemption, unaccountability and self-given privileges above everybody.

[12DrinkMore]

So he admits encroachment but for the very best of reasons of course and will return the land to the state in 10 years after his work is completed !

Do we take it that's the end of the story ?

The whole thing is weird.

The land can be returned now.

And the monk can work together with the forestry department on replanting, and maybe he could even ask for donations for the project and have accounts submitted publically?

Oh, and as one poster asked, what sort of trees has he planted?

The trees in the photo resemble teak trees, which can be harvested after a decade. Maybe somebody can confirm this?

Methinks this monk is not treading the straight and narrow to enlightenment.

Edited July 16, 2016 by 12DrinkMore

[NongKhaiKid]

So he admits encroachment but for the very best of reasons of course and will return the land to the state in 10 years after his work is completed !

Do we take it that's the end of the story ?

The whole thing is weird.

The land can be returned now.

And the monk can work together with the forestry department on replanting, and maybe he could even ask for donations for the project and have accounts submitted publically?

Oh, and as one poster asked, what sort of trees has he planted?

The trees in the photo resemble teak trees, which can be harvested after a decade. Maybe somebody can confirm this?

Methinks this monk is not treading the straight and narrow to enlightenment.

More than likely the straight and narrow to a bank account (s) !

[NongKhaiKid]

The land was owned by the state yet sold off , Where are the officials who illegally sold this land, follow the money trail

Oh dear, no saying where that might lead. I know, just leave it alone.

[Muhendis]

I could never understand this insatiable appetite of temples to own and control vast tracks of land while

all they really need is a place to worship, meditate and for dwellings of novices and monks, yet, many

temples around the country are in control of many hundreds even thousands rai of land, for what? if all

they suppose to be and do enlighten, teach and guide while keeping very modest life style.....

You might try asking the same question about the Church of England and a few others I've no doubt.

[MobileContent]

Phra Budda Isara said that the encroached area in national forest reserves was about 300 rai and not 3,000 rai as wrongly reported.

The abbot went on saying that he had been reforesting denuded forests since 1989 and had reforested about 1,000 rai so far.

Its only about 300 Rai but he reforested 1000 rai so far.

He should be disrobed.

[lvr181]

So he admits encroachment but for the very best of reasons of course and will return the land to the state in 10 years after his work is completed !

Do we take it that's the end of the story ?

"So he admits encroachment but for the very best of reasons of course and will return the land to the state in 10 years after his work is completed !"

He speaks with a forked tongue? Why does he not return the land IMMEDIATELY? The answer is, of course, he wants to make some money out of it!

Take the land back and prosecute the officials who allowed this to happen . It was an illegal transaction. Phra Budda Isara has no justifiable reason to complain as he knows it is encroachment!

I really wonder who runs this country, the Government or the monks?

[farcanell]

Phra Budda Isara said that the encroached area in national forest reserves was about 300 rai and not 3,000 rai as wrongly reported.

The abbot went on saying that he had been reforesting denuded forests since 1989 and had reforested about 1,000 rai so far.

Its only about 300 Rai but he reforested 1000 rai so far.

He should be disrobed.

Hands up whoever else wants to see a naked old monk ?

[NeilSA1]

Phra Budda Isara said that the encroached area in national forest reserves was about 300 rai and not 3,000 rai as wrongly reported.

The abbot went on saying that he had been reforesting denuded forests since 1989 and had reforested about 1,000 rai so far.

Its only about 300 Rai but he reforested 1000 rai so far.

He should be disrobed.

He has reforested 1000 rai since 1989 - in other areas

[NeilSA1]

Is encroachment illegally? Yes.

Did he encroach on illegal land? Yes.

He is guilty as charge and no exception.

Has Phra Budda Isara refuted the charges ? No.

He expressed his readiness to face legal consequences for his forest encroachment.

He called on the Forest Department to take legal action against all forest encroachers, including himself.​

[Enoon]

So he admits encroachment but for the very best of reasons of course and will return the land to the state in 10 years after his work is completed !

Do we take it that's the end of the story ?

"So he admits encroachment but for the very best of reasons of course and will return the land to the state in 10 years after his work is completed !"

He speaks with a forked tongue? Why does he not return the land IMMEDIATELY? The answer is, of course, he wants to make some money out of it!

Take the land back and prosecute the officials who allowed this to happen . It was an illegal transaction. Phra Budda Isara has no justifiable reason to complain as he knows it is encroachment!

I really wonder who runs this country, the Government or the monks?

"I really wonder who runs this country, the Government or the monks?"

Both, in partnership with "other elements".

That's not to say that they don't have their differences, but they're very much a "family" thing, and don't interfere with the prime objective.

Edited July 16, 2016 by Enoon

[wwest5829]

I could never understand this insatiable appetite of temples to own and control vast tracks of land while

all they really need is a place to worship, meditate and for dwellings of novices and monks, yet, many

temples around the country are in control of many hundreds even thousands rai of land, for what? if all

they suppose to be and do enlighten, teach and guide while keeping very modest life style.....

I reflect on the "country club" church and land ownership in the US. Non-taxable...of course. If sold, well churches, again, are not taxable. Meanwhile the poor remain... As one trying to follow the great teachers, I condemn al the hypocrisy, no matter which "religion".

Edited July 16, 2016 by wwest5829

[OttoPollmann]

I could never understand this insatiable appetite of temples to own and control vast tracks of land while

all they really need is a place to worship, meditate and for dwellings of novices and monks, yet, many

temples around the country are in control of many hundreds even thousands rai of land, for what? if all

they suppose to be and do enlighten, teach and guide while keeping very modest life style.....

Money talks.

This doesn't exclude Buddhism, the Roman-Catholic Church or any other form of religion or denomination.

According to some statistics, the Roman-Catholic Church has an estate of 8250 km² and is the biggest landowner in Germany.

For God's sake, why they need so much land and from whom they have stolen it? Not to mention, that their big kahuna is a Franciscan monk who has swore to live in poverty.

[rooster59]

Activist monk asks forestry officials to prosecute him for forest encroachment

CHIANG MAI -- The activist abbot of Wat Or-noi temple in Nakhon Pathom, Phra Buddha-issara, yesterday handed over evidence of forest encroachment into forest reserve in Mae Wong district of Chiang Mai to the Forestry Department with formal request that he be charged for encroachment.

The abbot’s unusual request for authorities to take legal action against him came as pictures of forest encroachment by a temple in Chiang Mai were posted on the Internet and were widely shared in the social world.

Many viewers strongly commented that the activist monk be also charged for illegally trespassing a large piece of land covering over 3,000 rai in forest reserves to build meditation centre.

Phra Buddha-issara admitted that he encroached on forest reserves over two decades ago but not for any commercial purposes.

He said the forest he encroached was denuded forest area and he instead reforesting it by growing more trees.

He also said the encroached land was not as large as 3,000 rai, but only 300 rai.

He then urged forestry to take legal action drastically with all encroachers, including him.

He then submitted all evidence showing the encroachment to authorities to pursue legal prosecution.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/activist-monk-asks-forestry-officials-prosecute-forest-encroachment/

-- Thai PBS 2016-07-17

[skippy]

I would be interested to know what species of trees were planted, if they will yield any saleable products like fruit or wood, who gets the benefit from that, and whether the land will really be returned to the people/government as stated.

Salix Alba Caerulea