Scholar backs tighter curbs on temples
Asst Prof Krich Pooyeeyama from Thammasat University's Faculty of Law said senior monks receive state-funded salaries and exercise broad authority, but the National Anti-Corruption Commission cannot audit their assets because monks are not classified as state officials under the anti-graft law.
He backed a ministerial regulation that will take effect on Oct 1, requiring temples to deposit their income into bank accounts under the temple's name, limit cash holdings to 100,000 baht, and submit annual financial reports to the NOB.
He said a 2021 regulation with similar requirements already exists but has been poorly enforced. The move follows growing public concern over financial scandals involving senior monks and a lack of transparency in temple asset management.
"Monks making headlines are all senior figures, and the core issue stems from a lack of transparency in the management of temples, where senior monks wield unchecked power," he said.
Temples are public legal entities, and monastic positions, from abbots to the Supreme Patriarch, are comparable to government roles, with state-funded salaries and statutory authority, including the ability to grant or withhold benefits.
However, laws do not clearly mandate asset declarations for monks, making auditing the clergy inapplicable and leaving a gap in accountability.
He said the NOB must play a central role in enforcing compliance by providing standardised forms and guidance on managing temple finances.
He also commented on the draft law, the Patronage and Protection of Buddhists, which would criminalise serious monastic offences such as sexual misconduct, introducing fines and prison sentences.
While Asst Prof Krich backs discipline, he warned criminal penalties must be clearly defined to avoid infringing on personal rights and freedoms. He also questioned whether deeply moral issues like these should even fall under criminal law.
A recent poll by the National Institute of Development Administration reflects public concern over the issue. Nida held a nationwide survey from July 14 to 16, following news of sex and financial scandals between a woman known as "Sika Golf" and many senior monks.
Among 1,310 Buddhist respondents, 76% believed some monks have engaged in misconduct such as drug use, gambling, or sexual relations. Nearly 58% said their faith in monks had declined, though 68% said their faith in Buddhism remained intact. Over 94% supported penalties for misbehaving monks, and 93% also supported punishing laypeople involved in sexual misconduct with monks.
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4 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
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Bangkok Post
17 hours ago
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Police dig deeper into Nakhon Sawan temple funds scandal
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2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Wat Nakhon Sawan's finances audited after disgraced abbot's departure
Buddhism officials descended on Wat Nakhon Sawan on Monday to audit the financial records and assets of the royal temple after the abbott hurriedly left the monkhood amid a mounting sex and money scandal. Monday's inspection lasted over two hours and was led by Ekkarat Sema, a senior religious affairs academic from the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Office of Buddhism. Also present were representatives from Muang police station and members of the temple committee, along with Phra Khru Suthathammabandit, assistant abbot of Wat Nakhon Sawan. The team reviewed documents detailing income and expenditure, amulet sales, and temple assets. The audit was aimed at ensuring transparency in the handover to a new abbot. Phra Khru Suthathammabandit confirmed that the review was in line with prior public statements and was intended to ensure clarity and accountability. The assistant abbot emphasised the importance of involving the provincial Buddhism office in the process to assure the public of the temple's financial integrity. (continues below) Mr Ekkarat said the audit was a routine measure following the departure of temple abbot Phra Thamma Wachiratheerakun, and was not prompted by any official complaints. He said the provincial Buddhism office became aware of the issue only through media reports. 'These accounts belong to the temple, not to any individual. If financial trails link to the Buddhist park project or other entities, we will investigate accordingly. So far, no irregularities have been found,' said Mr Ekkarat. The assistant abbot said if any monk was found to have violated monastic codes the matter will be handled by the ecclesiastical judicial system. If any civil laws had been broken, those involved must accordingly enter the legal process. Phra Thamma Wachiratheerakun, 67, is now known by his lay name Thid Sarit. He left the monkhood on Saturday night. The former abbot was accused of secretive affairs with three laywomen. He is also under investigation over suspected financial irregularities in the Nakhon Sawan Buddhist Park project, which has been delayed for about a decade. Despite the unfolding controversy, the temple remains open to the public, with many continuing to visit and pay their respects to Luang Pho Si Sawan. A local coffee vendor known as Mr Chan said he was surprised by the scandal involving the former abbot. 'People still come to worship. Religion should not be shaken by one person's wrongdoing,' said Mr Chan. A lottery vendor near the temple acknowledged a slight drop in visitor numbers following the scandal but noted that many devotees continue to arrive daily. Earlier Monday morning, monks and temple staff laid out about 20 account books listing transactions from 2021 to the present, readying them for review by the team from the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Office of Buddhism.
