Dhammakaya-Thaksin link reveals the politicisation of Thai Buddhism
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The Dhammakaya Temple is known to have close links with Thaksin Shinawatra. During Thaksin’s time in power, the widespread belief was that Dhammakaya’s abbot, Phra Dhammachayo, sought support and protection from Thaksin, who in return wanted to use the te
Thaksin’s plan was apparently to prevent coups by getting Dhammakaya monks and laymen out on the streets of Bangkok in large numbers, reasoning that 200,000 monks could stop the military from deploying tanks and guns at the city’s strategic locations.
Today the temple continues to arrange gatherings at which tens of thousands of monks and their supporters close main streets – often without the consent of local residents and shopkeepers.
Some believe these also represent drills to deal with potential military coups in Bangkok, and thus act in favour of Thaksin.
This demonstrates how Buddhism in Thailand has gone off course and become 90 per cent politicised.
Vint Chavala
