Pro-Somdet Chuang protesters will be arrested: PM

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday threatened to arrest people rallying over the stalled appointment of the new supreme patriarch. 

He issued the warning in response to reports that the Buddhism Protection Centre of Thailand’s secretary-general Phra Methi Dhammajahn planned to mobilise protesters if the prime minister failed to nominate Somdet Chaung for the post of the country’s highest-ranking monk within seven days. 

“The National Council for Peace and Order [NCPO] prohibits gatherings of more than five people. If you break this order, you will get arrested either today or tomorrow,” said Prayut, who is also NCPO chief. 

The Sangha Supreme Council (SSC) endorsed Somdet Chuang for the post of supreme patriarch early this year, although the nomination has been stalled due to intense opposition against the elderly monk.

The issue has additional legal complications, with the Office of the Ombudsman saying that the SSC does not have the right to nominate candidates, while the Council of State says it does. 

Raksagecha Chaechai, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, yesterday shrugged off the Council of State’s interpretation, which says that the SSC has not violated any laws in nominating Somdet Chuang. 

“The Council of State is just an agency under the PM’s Office and a legal adviser to the government,” he said. “The Office of the Ombudsman has constitutionally enshrined power.” 

Raksagecha said his office had formed its opinion on the case very carefully. 

“We are ready to explain the reasons behind this opinion further if requested. Laws, after all, clearly state that the prime minister has to initiate the nominating process, not the SSC,” he said. 

Somdet Chuang, also known as Somdet Phra Maha Ratcha Mangkhlachan, is now the acting supreme patriarch. 

Despite commanding considerable respect from his followers, he has faced several accusations from critics. He is also being investigated by the Department of Special Investigation for allegedly illegally acquiring a Mercedes Benz. 

Two of his critics called on Prayut yesterday to not put Somdet Chuang’s nomination forward for royal endorsement.