Dhammakaya unperturbed by Internet blackout
Pathum Thani-based Dhammakaya Temple's monks remain defiant on Saturday despite the Department of Special Investigation (DSI)'s measure to cut phone and Internet signal in and around the temple, which was now declared a controlled area by the junta's order.
Phra Sanitwong Chareonrattawong, the communication chief of the temple, said in his Facebook page that thousands of people staying within the 500-metre radius from temple were marooned from outside world through the signal disconnection but they must not be panic.
He said they - as well as anyone outside - could still internally communicate through the smartphone application called "Fire Chat", a free messaging service which would work even without an Internet connection or cellular phone coverage.
He urged people to live normal life and continue fighting to protect their faith in Buddhism, while the temple people would figure how to live in a condition that was deprived of liberty and limitation in transport, food and communication and overcome this hardship.