Dhammachayo supporters told not to obstruct justice system
THE government has urged supporters of Dhammakaya Temple abbot Phra Dhammachayo to stop inciting people to obstruct the justice process as the monk is facing criminal charges for alleged money-laundering and asset embezzlement.
The move followed DTAC, the country’s second-biggest mobile-phone operator, issuing a statement on its Facebook page distancing the company from the call of its founder and chairman, Boonchai Bencharongkul, urging Dhammakaya Temple disciples to protect the abbot from authorities.
The abbot has failed to show up to hear charges at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), even though the agency has a court-approved arrest and search warrants targeting him.
Boonchai, one of the country’s richest people, is a founder and former major shareholder of DTAC, which is now majority-controlled by Telenor Group of Norway. As a devout follower of Phra Dhammachayo, Boonchai gave a TV interview and urged people to come out to protect the abbot.
‘Be reasonable’
Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the PM’s Office spokesman, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had called on all parties concerned to be reasonable and act in accordance with law while suggesting that inciting people to obstruct the justice process was inappropriate and illegal.
The prime minister has a good understanding of the feelings of faithful believers, but they are urged to follow the law, Sansern said.
He added that there could be clashes with authorities if someone incites people to protect the abbot.
“It’s risky for disciples to go to the temple while law enforcement officials are doing their duty in accordance with court orders,” he said.
A video clip of the interview with Boonchai has gone viral. In it, he urged the temple’s followers to pray at Dhammakaya Temple after the DSI last week tried to enforce the search warrant to serve Phra Dhammachayo with the charges.
The monk is accused of gaining from ill-gotten wealth and conspiring to launder money from the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative, causing more than Bt1 billion in damage to customers.
Please contact
The Nation's Editorial: thenation@nationgroup.com
Online Advertising Contact : kullapark_pho@nationgroup.com
Tel: 02-338-3000