Bangkok: The National Police Chief has clarified that there is no conflict with the Office of Buddhism following discussions in a meeting aimed at establishing a center to investigate misconduct by monks. He commended ‘Big Tao’ for his dedication to his work. Regarding a case involving a monk with a higher ecclesiastical rank than the ‘Ms. Golf’ case, he has received a report confirming that the incident is situated in a different province and involves a female layperson.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, along with Mr. Inthaporn Chan-iam, Director of the National Office of Buddhism, Mr. Chaipol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, and officers from the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, attended a meeting at the Central Investigation Bureau. The meeting aimed to set guidelines for preventing and suppressing wrongdoings affecting Buddhism.
Following the two-hour meeting, Pol. Gen. Kittirat announced the creation of a center for lodging complaints against misconduct by monks. This collaborative effort includes various agencies such as the police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office. The center, led by the Central Investigation Bureau commander, aims to coordinate and exchange information among these bodies. Although currently a special arrangement, there are plans to elevate the center to the level of the Royal Thai Police. The Office of Buddhism will investigate non-compliant temples or individuals, while the police will prosecute criminal offenses.
The police chief highlighted the necessity of the center due to several incidents involving monks and monasteries in disciplinary and criminal offenses nationwide. The center has already received 69 complaints, though details remain undisclosed. Emphasizing caution, he warned against false information leading to harassment, stating legal action would be taken against those providing such information.
Addressing past negligence by officials of the Office of Buddhism, Pol. Gen. Kittirat noted that legal action requires evidence and formal complaints. He reiterated that neither the police nor the Office of Buddhism is at fault, attributing misconduct to a small minority of monks out of 300,000. He urged against generalizing religious issues.
Regarding Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, who faced cooperation issues with the Office of Buddhism officials, Pol. Gen. Kittirat confirmed the absence of conflict. He acknowledged potential communication misunderstandings due to dedication to work, particularly by Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat. The police chief emphasized the need for clear communication due to the sensitivity of the information involved.
Concerning a complaint about a monk with a higher ecclesiastical rank than Ms. Golf’s case, the matter is under consideration. The monk is reportedly in a provincial area and related to a woman. Whether the case involves money is still under investigation.
After concluding his interview, the national police chief expressed his support by hugging and giving a thumbs-up to Pol. Lt. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, commending the dedication of those working at the Central Investigation Bureau.