Reprieve for monk accused of heresy

The country's controversial monk-of-the-moment appears to have won a reprieve from religious leaders as they continue investigations into claims he is a heretic and owns property.

Phra Dhammachayo, abbot of the once-slickly marketed Wat Dhammakaya temple near Bangkok, faces a judicial review in the ecclesiastical courts after the Sangha Supreme Council dodged a final decision on his de-frocking.

His case, which has dragged on for months, grew more complex this week amid reports that the council is racked by indecision, despite demands for resolute action by the Supreme Patriarch.

The leader, who was too sick to attend a crucial council meeting on Monday, had demanded action, saying he had to 'protect Buddhism from destruction'.

But after the meeting, senior civil servants confirmed that Phra Dhammachayo had not yet been formally banished, a statement that led to angry shouts from a 1,000-strong crowd of monks backing the Supreme Patriarch.

Several senior members of the clergy across the country are dismayed at the continued delay, demanding support for their leader at a time of intense debate about the religion's future.

The abbot has already handed over extensive land holdings - originally donations from followers - but a final decision on his de-frocking over his role in a movement that offers 'nirvana by bank debit' could be months away.