Bangkok: “Suchart” has urged the Office of the Basic Education Commission to establish a committee to investigate the problems at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu. Suchart emphasized the need for the Department of Religious Affairs to take immediate action, highlighting that if any wrongdoing is found, it will be addressed according to existing regulations. He criticized the provincial Buddhist office for its lax approach, noting that awareness of the problem only surfaced after the incident occurred.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suchart Tancharoen, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, has addressed the ongoing issues at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu. He stated that he has instructed the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) to form a committee to investigate the provincial office of Buddhism where the temple is located. Mr. Suchart assured that the matter is not being overlooked and emphasized that he had previously directed the NOB to adopt a proactive rather than reactive stance.

Mr. Suchart highlighted his directive for the Office of National Buddhism to closely monitor the activities of provincial offices of Buddhism, aiming to identify any negligence in their duties. He pointed out that problems are frequently identified only after they have occurred, not just at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu but also in other locations.

“Regarding the incident at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, we will investigate to clarify the facts as quickly as possible. If any wrongdoing is found, we will take appropriate action in accordance with applicable regulations and authority,” Mr. Suchart stated. As the Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, he committed to expediting the resolution of issues within the monastic community to ensure transparency and restore public trust.