Next Supreme Patriarch must be free of scandal, politics

First, he is close to Phra Dhammachayo of Wat Phra Dhammakaya. Phra Dhammachayo is accused of extolling the benefits of consumerism and high-spending behaviour, which goes against the teachings of Buddha. The Thai Sangha Council, which has a duty to defrock any monk found to be undermining Buddhism in this way, has failed to do its job. The Sangha Council consists of eight senior monks. Among them is Somdej Chuang, who is chairman.

The second controversy concerns Somdej Chuang’s alleged involvement in a scandal involving evading tax charges on luxury cars. A legal investigation is seeking evidence on whether he is guilty or not. Whatever the result, the scandal has seriously tarnished the venerable monk’s reputation.

Third, he is embroiled in politics.

Since Somdej Chuang is close to Phra Dhammachayo, who is closely linked to a certain political party, Thai Buddhism will likely become more and more politicised under his leadership.

Hence, Somdej Chuang’s ascension to the post of Supreme Patriarch would likely do much to upset the country’s religious and political equilibrium.

Vint Chavala