Bangkok: The Director of the Department of Religious Affairs has taken decisive action in response to recent scandals involving monks, viewing these incidents as a chance for comprehensive reform. Accompanied by his team, he addressed Parliament, invoking the moral teachings of karma, emphasizing that provincial religious departments can no longer shirk responsibility. He highlighted the challenge of enforcing a 2021 regulation that restricts temples from holding cash beyond 100,000 baht, due to the absence of clear punitive measures. This loophole will now be treated as a breach of “civil servant discipline.” The director sees the scandal involving a royal monk as an opportunity to implement proactive measures. He revealed that a draft law on sexual conduct incorporates wide-ranging behavioral restrictions for monks, including bans on showing off, tattoos, and sprinkling holy water.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Inthaporn Chan-aim, Director of the National Office of Buddhism, alongside Deputy Director Mr. Booncherd Kittitharangkun, discussed with Parliament the need to enforce regulations that limit temple cash reserves to 100,000 baht. Mr. Inthaporn explained the existence of a ministerial regulation since 2021 mandating temples to maintain income and expenditure accounts and open bank accounts with multiple authorized signatories. However, without enforcement measures, compliance was not assured. The Sangha Supreme Council has resolved to impose punitive actions on temples that fail to adhere to these regulations.
Mr. Inthaporn elaborated that the cash limit is necessary due to temples accepting cash donations, which can pose risks if large amounts are stored. To mitigate this, daily deposits are required. He mentioned the implementation of the E-Donation system in collaboration with the Revenue Department, which allows donors to contribute via QR codes directly to temple accounts, facilitating tax deductions without needing a certificate of merit. Currently, 86% of Thailand’s 44,000 temples are in the system. The focus is on increasing transparency and accountability in temple financial practices.
He emphasized the importance of using administrative power to ensure compliance, stating that temples failing to follow the ministerial regulation will be investigated and sanctioned akin to civil servant disciplinary actions. In light of these changes, Mr. Suchart, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, will present policies to the Office of Buddhism nationwide, leveraging the current crisis to enforce stricter governance in temples with opaque financial practices.
Addressing concerns about public faith, Mr. Inthaporn acknowledged the impact of individual actions on the broader monastic community, stressing the existence of many virtuous monks. He urged the public to report suspicious activities for investigation, as temples are integral to their communities and the Office of Buddhism bears responsibility.
On the draft law prohibiting sexual activities among monks, Mr. Inthaporn confirmed it has been distributed for feedback. The proposed law covers a range of actions that could tarnish the Sangha’s reputation, with varying opinions on the severity of the punishments proposed.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a recent meeting involving the Central Investigation Bureau, which required regional abbots to address cases of monks who were uncontactable or had not disrobed. A monk from Phichit province was confirmed to have disrobed, concluding the Dhamma-Vinaya process. However, financial misconduct involving temple funds remains under scrutiny, as it pertains to their status as state officials.
Mr. Inthaporn concluded by noting that 11 monks are currently under investigation, with the Sangha Supreme Council tasked with taking appropriate action.