Bangkok: Senators raised questions, urging the government and the National Buddhism Office to address the crisis of public trust in Buddhism and prevent a recurrence next year. They recommended stricter controls on the use of funds and transparent auditing of donations. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn explained that the 70 billion baht budget had just been received and that they are expediting the creation of an online database of temples, monks, and donations. He also admitted to being deeply saddened by the scandals involving the monks Choti and Aeh.
According to Thai News Agency, the Senate meeting, chaired by General Kriengkrai Srirak, First Deputy Speaker of the Senate, considered an urgent interpellation by Senator Prinya Wongcherdkwan. Senator Wongcherdkwan posed a question to the Prime Minister regarding the second phase of the crisis of faith in Buddhism, specifically concerning the cases of Phra Choti, the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, and a female devotee, including allegations of embezzlement of temple funds for her close associate. He also questioned the oversight and auditing efforts of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB), particularly regarding the transparency of donation audits and the involvement of foreign and Myanmar monks profiting in Thailand. He noted that the government had not promised to address the previous problem, and the situation has recurred, raising questions about the NOB's proactive approach.
Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan, in his capacity as supervisor of the National Buddhism Office (NBO), explained on behalf of the Prime Minister that, as a Buddhist himself and a former temple boy, he was deeply saddened by the incident. He stated that he did not wish this had happened, but that such events have existed since the time of the Buddha. He explained that a study of Buddhist scriptures reveals that these incidents stem from the misconduct of those who are outside the Buddhist faith. As the supervisor of the NBO, he is continuing the work of the previous government. Initially, he initiated the creation of a central database for monks to assist the Supreme Sangha Council in verification. Currently, the monk database is not electronic, so the NBO has been tasked with developing it. To date, 180,000 out of 200,000 monks have been registered, representing 89%, allowing for background checks. Funding for the monk database has been secured for 2027 and is expected to be completed this year. Follo wing this, the next step will be the registration of temples. Currently, there are 44,000 temples in Thailand. The database needs to be consolidated because temples are connected to monks, temple assets, and central religious assets. This requires a system for managing temple assets, central religious assets, stipends, and legal regulations and resolutions of the Supreme Sangha Council, all in a digital and online format.
"For temple accounts, it will be done electronically and linked to a central system so that the Religious Affairs Department can verify them. Currently, it's done manually, and verification is only at the end of each month. Of the 440,000 temples that have already registered for the e-donation system, 42,000 are currently being processed. We are expediting this process. We don't want these funds to be used for tragic incidents like this. If donations are channeled into the system, it will reduce the problems of tracking and verifying them," Mr. Pakorn explained.
Mr. Pakorn further explained that the issue of Buddhist commercialism, using such channels for personal gain, is something that needs to be addressed. He questioned whether it would be possible for donations of amulets to go directly to the temple, with a designated e-donation account, and that no other personal gain or benefit be sought. Alternatively, a foundation or association could be established to handle this, as it would allow for verification of whether some monks accept money but exhibit questionable behavior, such as not going on alms rounds but eating daily, or not attending temple services but having many disciples.
Mr. Pakorn also stated that while the Supreme Sangha Council has a resolution clearly outlining that temple accounts must be managed by the abbot or a temple treasurer along with a person designated by the abbot, the lack of online accounting makes verification difficult. However, he is working with the Senate to make the process entirely electronic, ensuring transparency and accountability for temples. Furthermore, income and expenditure accounts must be prepared and submitted to the Provincial Office of Religious Affairs for monthly audits.
"The behavior of some monks must be separated from Buddhism. I urge everyone to campaign to help Buddhism and for the Sangha Supreme Council to uphold faith in Buddhism. They speak very little, but negative things about the monastic community-clips, news-are dramas that Thais like and share. But as Buddhists, even if we don't like something, we should consider whether it's appropriate to speak out and create issues that are problematic for Buddhism. I ask for the Senate's help, as well as the government and the Sangha Supreme Council's support. We shouldn't sensationalize negative issues. As for the money trail that has been seized, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will continue to investigate the case," Mr. Pakorn said.
Mr. Prinya then questioned further, stating that if the problem could be solved, there would be no issue. However, this year is part two, and he doesn't want a part three next year. Therefore, what needs to be done is to control the spending of temples. The previous government said that temples could hold no more than 100,000 baht, but how can this be done? Because the Sangha Council has no right to interfere or scrutinize, or are the Sangha Council members actually holding more than 100,000 baht themselves? When the problem cannot be solved, the public will speak out harshly because the issue is destroying public faith. While e-donations are part of the problem, the majority is still cash, which is difficult to audit.
Mr. Pakorn explained that he was trying to gather all the information and requested support for the National Buddhism Office (NBO). He said he would try his best. He added that the NBO could not accept the current behavior and disliked being criticized for not performing its duties. He also stated that the Sangha Council committee had followed all of the Council's resolutions and that this was verifiable. Details and information would be used for the relevant purposes.