Phaibul calls for probe in state subsidies to temples

[webfact]

Phaibul calls for probe in state subsidies to temples

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The former chairman of the Buddhism Reform Committee of the National Reform Steering Assembly is asking the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) to probe irregularities in 12 temples to see if their abbots were involved in a corruption conspiracy.

 

The former chairman Phaibul Nititawan’s action came after a former director of the Office of National Buddhism (ONAB) was arrested by the Anti Corruption Division police last week following complaint by the current ONAB director of corruption of state subsidies to several temples.

 

Investigation by the PACC later revealed he was a mastermind in appropriation of over 60 million baht of state budget to finance the activities of temples.

 

Besides, the murder of a novice monk at the Wang Tawan Tok temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat in which Investigation by police indicating business in the temple was a motive for the brutal murder, also promoted the former chairman to call for action against temple abbots.

 

Mr Phaibul said he suspected that corruption of the state subsidies to 12 temples might be a conspiracy.

 

He said in his complaint to the PACC, he would also ask the director of the ONAB to reveal to the public the names of all temples which received subsidies from the ONAB during 2015-2016 to see how much they were granted.

 

The former ONAB director and present ONAB deputy director were found to misappropriate 60 million baht from state subsidies to several temples.

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/phaibul-calls-probe-state-subsidies-temples/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2017-06-12

[clockman]

Tip of the iceberg, what more perfect way of money laundering. No accounts, no accountability. Just men in orange robes!

[Srikcir]

21 hours ago, webfact said:

The former ONAB director and present ONAB deputy director were found to misappropriate 60 million baht from state subsidies to several temples.

Why is there any subsidy going to Buddhist temples? Is Thailand a nonsecular state?

Thai taxpayer funds should be used to the benefit of all Thais in a nondiscriminatory manner that promotes equality.