Stand-off with monks poses a tricky test for Prayut

“Can’t you see we have to wait for the process to be done first? Aren’t you afraid it could lead to disputes?”

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha made these remarks just over a week ago in regards to the Council of State’s announcement that the Sangha Supreme Council (SSC) had complied with the law in nominating Somdet Chuang, officially known as Somdet Phra Maha Ratcha Mangkhlachan, as Thailand’s highest-ranking monk.

With the top ecclesiastical post vacant since Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Sangharaja died in 2013, the SSC endorsed Somdet Chuang for the post early this year. But the nomination has stalled because of intense opposition against him. 

One scandal earlier this year stemmed from a Department of Special Investigation (DSI) probe that found alleged illegal acts in the acquisition of a classic Mercedes-Benz, once registered under Somdet Chuang’s name. 

Somdet Chuang has not testified before the DSI regarding the case, but his lawyer has said the Mercedes-Benz was given to the monk and he knew nothing about the process used to obtain it.

DSI chief Pol Colonel Paisit Wongmuang recently reported that the probe was 80-per-cent finished and only waiting for documents from other countries about the purchase and export of the car to Thailand as well as calculations of overdue tax. 

So far, three people have faced charges in the case – an importer, a man who submitted car registration papers to the Transport Department, and a person who paid the car tax.

On July 12, the Buddhism Protection Centre of Thailand (BPCT), the Association of Scholars for Buddhism and other allies issued a statement in response to the prime minister’s remarks, 

The statement comprised five demands, including a call for Prayut to present Somdet Chuang’s name for royal endorsement and a warning that a movement would be launched nationwide in one week if their demands were ignored. 

People still remember an incident on February 15 when a group of monks and Buddhist disciples from around the country led by BPCT secretary-general Phra Methee Dhammacharn gathered at Buddha Monthon Park in Nakhon Pathom for a “seminar to stop a plot to overthrow the Sangha Council”. 

On that day, there were scuffles between monks and soldiers guarding the premises, as monks demanded Prayut submit Somdet Chuang’s name for royal endorsement.

Prayut was emotional in his reaction to the five demands, remarking: “How can you give me an ultimatum like this? If they want to create movements, do so. No matter who they are, they could be arrested one day or the next.”

Later Phra Methee Dhammacharn clarified that the movement would not be a protest by monks to defy the government, but symbolic and non-violent. However, he insisted that he and his allies are firmly behind the July 12 statement.

Critics have warned the government of unexpected consequences because the Buddhist network has links to the controversial Dhammakaya Temple. 

The temple’s abbot Phra Dhammachayo has been facing arrest warrant in relation to money laundering charges based on allegations that he accepted billions of baht in relation to the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative embezzlement scandal. 

Somdet Chuang ordained Phra Dhammachayo decades ago.

Meanwhile, former senator Paiboon Nititawan and outspoken monk Luang Pu Buddha Isara presented a petition including 300,000 signatures objecting to the nomination. They insist that Somdet Chuang has not been cleared in the Mercedes-Benz case, and has allegedly violated Dhamma Vinaya rules regulating monks’ behaviour. 

This is a delicate matter for the prime minister, given that both sides have many allies. No matter which direction Prayut takes, he is likely to upset a large group of people and the situation could spiral into turmoil. 

The nomination of Somdet Chuang has become a burning issue for Prayut’s administration and all eyes are watching to see how it will play out.