Update. Friday 10 March) Junta has been pressured by its own human rights groups to allow movement of people in and out of the temple with limited media access. The influential “disciples of Luang Taa Maha Bua”, (khana-‘sit Luang Taa) and the scholars Parian-Nine Monks’ Association, sent a petition objecting to proposed changes to the Sangha Act, with proposed increased secular authority over Sangha affairs proposed initially as a draft amendment in 2001 under the new Thaksin Government, though dropped at the time after Thaksin had listened to protesting monks. This group objected to the junta trying to “slip in” Article 26 of the draft act in 2001 (as Paiboon is proposing now). The current 1962 Sangha Act, Article 7, has already been amended and completed and considered the correct way of resolving sangha issues (given back power to the king) = thereby corresponding in part to 1941 Act. The junta want to control finances through Paiboon’s proposed “Phutta-Borisat Heng-Chaat” (National Buddhist Group of Buddhists, comprising monks/nuns and laity) which will consist 36 members, half of which will be laity, with the power to also look into matters concerning Dhamma-Vinaya. The matter of sangha governance is sensitive, given the national assets of the sangha estimated to be some Baht 20 billion. It is clear that this is, above all else, a means of raking in much needed money for the junta (even better than trying to raid Thaksin as the amaat are still trying to find ways of taxing him!) People in Thailand have noticed where the national coffers are going: to the military, for their own network benefits.
Ralph: It might be more that, like Jim, you see what you want to see and don’t let facts or information from sources other than your imagination get in the way.
That articles says nothing about canceling or amending the Sangha Act. Nothing. So perhaps you are not reading closely enough.
Perhaps the cabinet is going to encourage reforms along the lines of not putting a stamp of approval on megawats that operate the same kind of money-for-redemption scam that megachurches in the US (the obvious models for this cult) have perfected over the years? Or allowing women to ordain?
Surely no one would want to suggest that Thai Buddhism couldn’t use a little reform here and there.
Lots of countries around the world considered as pseudo-democracy, even Singapore is considered as a pseudo-democracy country, but again when we look at national level it’s merely a democratic country, though bear in mind it’s “pseudoistic” one, not even the so-called father of democracy (USA).
Greg’s assessment of Malaysia’s political status is correct. Recent events with North Korea and Saudi Arabia validate Malaysia as a corrupt autocratic semi-Islamic State.
The collapsing Thai stock market is a sure indicator of how serious this is getting. If Prsyut – and the new King – blow THIS : they are gone. Most of
the military – and populace – will revolt. Then Prem will move his loyalists. Nobody in Thailand would
dare mount serious opposition to these. EVERYONE sees Prem as Bumiphol ruling from the
grave. Then Prem could install his preferred. wish.
His main concern is more on Manjit’s dimissal of Malaysia’s official economic data. Not to discuss about Malaysia’s economic condition as a whole. And not to rebut the overall article by Manjit itself
Understand this and you’ll realise that you arguments are totally off the mark
We economists know better the conditions of Malaysia economy. And Nurhisham is an economist which knows much more than any other economists in Malaysia. No matter whether it is about BNM’s currency manipulation, illegal workers, youth unemployment etc
Understand the objective of the article. And you’ll understand why he doesn’t touch on any of those
‘…to pressure officers who are trying to conduct their lawful duties.’ The pressure is that they are understandably reluctant to attack temples and monks. An even greater conflict is occurring in the minds of Dhammakaya supporters as their religious faith is being directly pitted against their loyalty to the monarchy and state. Two of the pillars of Thailand are attacking the third. The result will be a very widespread and abiding antipathy towards the new monarch.
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
You have adopted the policy of not saying anything and most important you have chosen not to reply any issue raised by Dr. Dr James L Taylor. Please know that military drill are being conducted in Putham Thani area with police personal carrying heavy weapons, which can be seen in many pictures even released by DSI. This must be noted that all those people facing this everyday are normal civilian people and not the criminals. Even criminal are being treated better in Thailand (Land of Smiles..really :?). Further, DSI is not allowing food to be supplied for novice and even the normal people living in the area, which is violation of Declaration of Human Rights adopted by all UN member countries, indulging Thailand. Further, your government have charged more than 300 cases against Wat Dhammakaya (not against an individual) in just last one month, an establishment which exist from more than 50 years. Which indicate either all previous government existed in Thailand were not compiling the law and only this Junta Govt is enforcing them, especially with the help of new Article 44. Lastly, i believe there is a strong Judaical system that exist in Thailand than why your government is not going ahead and give a fare trial to everyone, facing charges. There are many issues already pointed out above, instead of writing anything further i wold request all those people in power to show the greatness of their position and compassion to Dhammakaya as what you are doing at the moment would only bring bad reputation to your government and country both in regional and international level.
Thanks
What I wonder, is what happens to the dispersed ? Undoubtedly many Dhammakaya supporters will be leaving under the pressures. Just as many Red Shirts did before the final 2010 crackdown. And no doubt Prayuth’s yellow forces will be able to track many of these. But many more will simply disappear, thanks to water-melon soldiers, bureaucrats, etc. These are the hidden tsunami which will – sooner or later – sweep the dictator Prayut, from power.
“But if Manjit does a bit more of research and does a full article on the Malaysian economy, he may come up with a longer menu of issues that plague the economy than Nurhisham will be able to defend.”
Good. I am looking forward to it.
The question is why didn’t he do it in the first place but chose to write like a cybertrooper? Sweeping statements do not help Malaysians to come to grips with the real issues confronting Malaysia. Neither should aan economist’s job to pen a piece that panders to the taste of the disgruntled Malaysian public (such as Bumiputra graduate) but actually rings hollow.
I think the rebuttals to MB actually contain more facts and statistics than you care to admit.
The Dhammakaya temple complex has indeed been blocked from having adequate food, water, medicines, –and all communication systems. People have been suffering for much of the past few weeks. Among other things, this is a clear breach by the junta of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially Article 18, as it relates to the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Whatever one may think of Dhammakaya’s religious orientations, like it or leave it, this is not right.
Prayuth has been specifically ordered to besiege the temple by Vajiralongkorn who was thwarted in his attempts to solicit money from the temple in the past.
As for ‘…does not affect other Buddhist temples…’ ‘…nothing to do with controlling temple assets…’ this sounds like fear, Mr. Ambassador.
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The perplexing case of Wat Dhammakaya
Update. Friday 10 March) Junta has been pressured by its own human rights groups to allow movement of people in and out of the temple with limited media access. The influential “disciples of Luang Taa Maha Bua”, (khana-‘sit Luang Taa) and the scholars Parian-Nine Monks’ Association, sent a petition objecting to proposed changes to the Sangha Act, with proposed increased secular authority over Sangha affairs proposed initially as a draft amendment in 2001 under the new Thaksin Government, though dropped at the time after Thaksin had listened to protesting monks. This group objected to the junta trying to “slip in” Article 26 of the draft act in 2001 (as Paiboon is proposing now). The current 1962 Sangha Act, Article 7, has already been amended and completed and considered the correct way of resolving sangha issues (given back power to the king) = thereby corresponding in part to 1941 Act. The junta want to control finances through Paiboon’s proposed “Phutta-Borisat Heng-Chaat” (National Buddhist Group of Buddhists, comprising monks/nuns and laity) which will consist 36 members, half of which will be laity, with the power to also look into matters concerning Dhamma-Vinaya. The matter of sangha governance is sensitive, given the national assets of the sangha estimated to be some Baht 20 billion. It is clear that this is, above all else, a means of raking in much needed money for the junta (even better than trying to raid Thaksin as the amaat are still trying to find ways of taxing him!) People in Thailand have noticed where the national coffers are going: to the military, for their own network benefits.
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
The control zone is apparently not being rigidly enforced in all areas and some food and medicines are now getting into the temple.
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
given that the country is ruled by an illegal junta at gun point the Ambassadors attempt to claim rule of law is ludicrous .
Playing Malaysia’s number game
Singapore has zero tolerance to corruption and across-the-board meritocracy. That works better than most democracies.
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
Ralph: It might be more that, like Jim, you see what you want to see and don’t let facts or information from sources other than your imagination get in the way.
That articles says nothing about canceling or amending the Sangha Act. Nothing. So perhaps you are not reading closely enough.
Perhaps the cabinet is going to encourage reforms along the lines of not putting a stamp of approval on megawats that operate the same kind of money-for-redemption scam that megachurches in the US (the obvious models for this cult) have perfected over the years? Or allowing women to ordain?
Surely no one would want to suggest that Thai Buddhism couldn’t use a little reform here and there.
Playing Malaysia’s number game
Good one din
Playing Malaysia’s number game
Lots of countries around the world considered as pseudo-democracy, even Singapore is considered as a pseudo-democracy country, but again when we look at national level it’s merely a democratic country, though bear in mind it’s “pseudoistic” one, not even the so-called father of democracy (USA).
Playing Malaysia’s number game
Greg’s assessment of Malaysia’s political status is correct. Recent events with North Korea and Saudi Arabia validate Malaysia as a corrupt autocratic semi-Islamic State.
Playing Malaysia’s number game
UMNO is the expert in sleight of hand. Any number that comes from the Malaysian Government is a number you should never bet on.
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
The collapsing Thai stock market is a sure indicator of how serious this is getting. If Prsyut – and the new King – blow THIS : they are gone. Most of
the military – and populace – will revolt. Then Prem will move his loyalists. Nobody in Thailand would
dare mount serious opposition to these. EVERYONE sees Prem as Bumiphol ruling from the
grave. Then Prem could install his preferred. wish.
Playing Malaysia’s number game
His main concern is more on Manjit’s dimissal of Malaysia’s official economic data. Not to discuss about Malaysia’s economic condition as a whole. And not to rebut the overall article by Manjit itself
Understand this and you’ll realise that you arguments are totally off the mark
We economists know better the conditions of Malaysia economy. And Nurhisham is an economist which knows much more than any other economists in Malaysia. No matter whether it is about BNM’s currency manipulation, illegal workers, youth unemployment etc
Understand the objective of the article. And you’ll understand why he doesn’t touch on any of those
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
‘…to pressure officers who are trying to conduct their lawful duties.’ The pressure is that they are understandably reluctant to attack temples and monks. An even greater conflict is occurring in the minds of Dhammakaya supporters as their religious faith is being directly pitted against their loyalty to the monarchy and state. Two of the pillars of Thailand are attacking the third. The result will be a very widespread and abiding antipathy towards the new monarch.
The perplexing case of Wat Dhammakaya
The best sources of information on Thailand cannot be cited because they have to be protected from the Junta.
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
Dear Mr. Ambassador,
You have adopted the policy of not saying anything and most important you have chosen not to reply any issue raised by Dr. Dr James L Taylor. Please know that military drill are being conducted in Putham Thani area with police personal carrying heavy weapons, which can be seen in many pictures even released by DSI. This must be noted that all those people facing this everyday are normal civilian people and not the criminals. Even criminal are being treated better in Thailand (Land of Smiles..really :?). Further, DSI is not allowing food to be supplied for novice and even the normal people living in the area, which is violation of Declaration of Human Rights adopted by all UN member countries, indulging Thailand. Further, your government have charged more than 300 cases against Wat Dhammakaya (not against an individual) in just last one month, an establishment which exist from more than 50 years. Which indicate either all previous government existed in Thailand were not compiling the law and only this Junta Govt is enforcing them, especially with the help of new Article 44. Lastly, i believe there is a strong Judaical system that exist in Thailand than why your government is not going ahead and give a fare trial to everyone, facing charges. There are many issues already pointed out above, instead of writing anything further i wold request all those people in power to show the greatness of their position and compassion to Dhammakaya as what you are doing at the moment would only bring bad reputation to your government and country both in regional and international level.
Thanks
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
What I wonder, is what happens to the dispersed ? Undoubtedly many Dhammakaya supporters will be leaving under the pressures. Just as many Red Shirts did before the final 2010 crackdown. And no doubt Prayuth’s yellow forces will be able to track many of these. But many more will simply disappear, thanks to water-melon soldiers, bureaucrats, etc. These are the hidden tsunami which will – sooner or later – sweep the dictator Prayut, from power.
Playing Malaysia’s number game
Agree with the author that Malaysian economic statistics are reliable and in accordance with international standards.
Playing Malaysia’s number game
“But if Manjit does a bit more of research and does a full article on the Malaysian economy, he may come up with a longer menu of issues that plague the economy than Nurhisham will be able to defend.”
Good. I am looking forward to it.
The question is why didn’t he do it in the first place but chose to write like a cybertrooper? Sweeping statements do not help Malaysians to come to grips with the real issues confronting Malaysia. Neither should aan economist’s job to pen a piece that panders to the taste of the disgruntled Malaysian public (such as Bumiputra graduate) but actually rings hollow.
I think the rebuttals to MB actually contain more facts and statistics than you care to admit.
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
I wonder how long it will be before a Thai Ambassador – perhaps not this one – seeks political asylum in Audtralia ?
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
The Dhammakaya temple complex has indeed been blocked from having adequate food, water, medicines, –and all communication systems. People have been suffering for much of the past few weeks. Among other things, this is a clear breach by the junta of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially Article 18, as it relates to the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Whatever one may think of Dhammakaya’s religious orientations, like it or leave it, this is not right.
Royal Thai Embassay clarifies Wat Dhammakaya case
Prayuth has been specifically ordered to besiege the temple by Vajiralongkorn who was thwarted in his attempts to solicit money from the temple in the past.
As for ‘…does not affect other Buddhist temples…’ ‘…nothing to do with controlling temple assets…’ this sounds like fear, Mr. Ambassador.