Thailand: Senior monks arrested from temples to 'clean' Buddhism
Over 100 officials of Thai police raided four Buddhist temples on Thursday and arrested senior monks for alleged embezzlement. The monks are suspected of siphoning off money meant for developing temples. This raid is one of the latest steps of the military government to 'reform' Buddhism, the nation's most practised religion, and bring to justice monks who are at the centre of sex-scandals and cheating.
The monks who have been arrested
Phra Buddha Issara, 62, an activist monk was arrested for his alleged involvement in a robbery during an anti-government protest in 2014. 72-year-old Phra Phrom Dilok was arrested for siphoning off temple funds. Two assistant abbots Phra Sri Khunaporn and Phra Wichit Thammaporn were held for alleged embezzlement. The raids were conducted in the temples of Thailand's capital Bangkok and central province Nakhon Pathom.
Arrests are part of investigation, says police
"This is the investigation stage... it will all come down to facts and evidence," police official Thitiraj Nhongharnpitak, of the Central Investigation Bureau, said. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said arrests are part of the probe. On the other hand, supporters of monks expressed concerns.
Military government forced to rethink policy after scandals hit temples
The Buddhist temples in Thailand receive billions of rupees as donation, and monks are revered figures in the country. Taking legal action against them was considered a taboo, but after the temples were embroiled in controversies from sex scandals to shady financial dealings, the military government, that took power in 2014 following a coup, was forced to rethink its policies.
