Thailand’s monks run amok, but will junta’s crackdown answer its prayers?
The military government, under pressure to hold elections and seeking a popular move, has launched a campaign to clean up the monkhood. But in stoking Buddhist nationalism, it is playing with fire
In Thailand, it is often said that Buddhist monks should not get involved in politics. However, today they are front and centre as the junta launches a campaign to clean the monkhood’s tarnished image following years of scandals involving corruption, drugs, sex and even murder.
But far from an altruistic effort, the junta’s campaign is seen as a political strategy to win hearts and minds amid mounting pressure to hold elections after four years of military rule.
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In late May the junta raided four temples and arrested several prominent monks, including the popular Phra Buddha Issara and Wat Saket’s ex-abbot, Phra Phrom Sitthi. Phra Phrom Methee, another of the monks wanted by the police, fled to Germany and sought asylum after he was arrested at Frankfurt airport.
