Bangkok: Police have launched a significant crackdown on monks violating the law, culminating in the arrest of 154 individuals out of 181 targeted.
According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau spearheaded this operation, which involved nationwide coordination and cooperation from the National Office of Buddhism. The crackdown saw the arrest of monks who were involved in various illegal activities, with a focus on those who had already disrobed and those who refused to do so.
Pol. Gen. Kraibhun Thuadsong, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, detailed that the operation involved 181 targets, focusing on 154 monks, of which 27 had already disrobed. The arrests spanned 73 provinces, with most suspects confessing to the charges. Legal proceedings will follow, as the Sangha Supreme Council has revised the disrobing period from three years to ten days to expedite the process.
Further missions will continue, with authorities planning to gather data on temples, monks, and temple properties that may be involved in improper activities. Recent issues in Phichit Province highlighted the ongoing problems within temple management, and efforts are underway to address these. The police, in collaboration with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), are also targeting those fleeing the country, ensuring that money laundering laws are enforced.
The majority of the offenses relate to drug-related crimes, with some individuals using the monkhood as a refuge. High-ranking monks involved in wrongdoing will also face prosecution. The nationwide arrests were part of a strategic move to prevent the escape of suspects. Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridet emphasized that information linking individuals to sectarianism is being scrutinized, with data coming from both governmental and private sectors.
Mr. Booncherd Kittitharangkun, Deputy Director of the National Office of Buddhism, confirmed the agency’s full cooperation with the police. He addressed past accusations of non-cooperation, assuring that moving forward, all necessary information would be shared. An agreement has been reached that if more than three monks in a province are found guilty of offenses, the director of the National Office of Buddhism in that province will be transferred, a measure also applicable to police officials.
The operation aims to restore public trust in the Buddhist community and ensure that individuals who visit temples to pay respects and make merit can do so without concerns about their contributions being misused.