Villagers in the Bang Saphan District are concerned about the behavior of an abbot at Wat Khao Bot, Phra Aram Luang, and an investigation has been launched.
Mr. Sathien Charoenrihan, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, instructed Mr. Ongkharak Thongniramon, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Province, to go to the Bang Saphan District Office to meet Mr. Thip Ruenkasem, the district’s leader, and a group of villagers from Bang Saphan District on February 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Ongkharak Thongniramol, Deputy Governor, stated that he then requested a seven-day extension to resolve the issue with Pol. Colonel Ekkarat Hunngam, a former MP for Prachuap Khiri Khan, Region 3, member of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, and former deputy superintendent of Bang Saphan Noi Police Station. They stated that they would keep an eye on any problems that arose, attend meetings, and be available to assist with anything.
Mr. Thip Ruenkasem stated that he and a group of about 30 villagers traveled to meet Dr. Warong Dechkijvikrom, leader of the Thai Phakdi Party, and Mr. Thavorn Senniam, president of the Thai Khaddee Party, on February 27, 2023. Mr. Somphas Ninlaphand, advisor to the Permanent Secretary’s Office, the Prime Minister’s Office, and National Office of Buddhism officials, presided over the meeting in Complaints Center meeting room 1111.
Mr. Somphat forwarded a letter to the Prime Minister, asking what should be done next. With the request ready to be reviewed, please do the following:
- Request an examination of the temple’s financial records from the past to the present.
- Form a committee to oversee the work in an open and transparent manner.
- Request that the abbot be removed in order to restore the faith of the villagers of Bang Saphan. Villagers returned after the submission because they had complained to the Provincial Buddhism Office through the Bang Saphan District Sheriff and the Provincial Governor but had received no answers or assistance with the problem.
