Bangkok: The ongoing dispute over Wat Pa Adulyaram has taken a new turn as Ms. Chommanee Noijan, also known as "Aunt Da," along with Ms. Buakhai Sorasamut and Mr. Woradech Changbu, publicly unveiled their legal strategy and leveled serious accusations against the temple's administration. They have called on the Prime Minister and other authorities to investigate the legitimacy of the temple's establishment and its current abbot.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Woradech, serving as a legal advisor, held a press conference to address the issues surrounding the appointment of the abbot and the construction of Wat Pa Adulyaram. He cited discrepancies in the timeline and documentation that raise questions about the temple's official status. Specifically, Mr. Woradech questioned how the temple could have had an abbot since 1992 when it was only officially established in 1998.
Mr. Woradech outlined the standard procedure for appointing an abbot, which involves a series of nominations from various ecclesiastical councils, and called for a review of whether these procedures were followed. He also raised concerns about the temple's construction process and whether appropriate plans and photographs were submitted to the Supreme Sangha Council before the temple was officially declared.
Further, Mr. Woradech questioned the secrecy surrounding the temple's establishment documents and demanded transparency from the authorities. He presented evidence of the temple's current state, raising concerns about illegal logging and land use, and argued that these issues undermine its legitimacy as a recognized temple.
The legal advisor also highlighted potential inconsistencies in the land donation process, emphasizing the need for proper legal procedures and approvals. He stated that the land's current usage, including allegations of unauthorized road construction, requires thorough investigation to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Mr. Woradech assured that the heirs are not seeking to reclaim the land but are instead focused on verifying the temple's legal status. He expressed readiness to accept the findings if the investigation proves that all procedures were correctly followed. However, any discrepancies would necessitate corrective action.
Aunt Da, frustrated by the lack of response from the National Office of Buddhism regarding key documents, reiterated the heirs' commitment to uncovering the truth. She emphasized that their efforts are not an attack on the temple but a quest for legal clarity and justice. She called on the Prime Minister and relevant agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter from its origins.
The heirs plan to file a lawsuit with the Crime Suppression Division to address what they allege is fabricated evidence concerning the temple's establishment. They also expressed disappointment over the inaction of Deputy Prime Minister Prakorn Nilapraphan in the face of public concern.
In response to a reporter's inquiry, Aunt Da dismissed concerns about police summons in Khon Kaen, asserting her willingness to cooperate with law enforcement and reiterating her focus on revealing the truth behind Wat Pa Adulyaram's origins.