Bangkok: Lawyer Ananchai and Mahahmee issued a statement defending Phra Maha Theeranat, asserting that the allegations are baseless and vowing to take legal action against the media and government officials, giving them 7 days to apologize.
According to Thai News Agency, at the office of the Dhamma Army Lawyers Foundation, Mr. Ananchai Chaiyadej, President of the Foundation, along with Mr. Prayuth Prathetsena, or "Maha Hmee," Vice President of the Foundation, held a press conference to clarify issues regarding Phra Maha Theeranath Akkhathiro, the president of Phu Pha Sung Monastery (or Phu Kratae Monastery) in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The reports mentioned matters concerning his wife and children, his defrocking from Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Mahasimararam, alleged forest encroachment, and his financial management.
Mr. Ananchai stated that complaints regarding Phra Maha Theeranat have been filed numerous times, specifically since 2007, 2013, 2016, and most recently in 2016, totaling four complaints. Each complaint underwent investigation by the Sangha Council, the National Office of Buddhism (NOB), and nine other relevant government agencies. The foundation claims that these investigations found no merit to the allegations and affirms that Phra Maha Theeranat remains a legitimate monk according to Buddhist precepts.
Regarding the issue of the woman alleged to be the wife and involved with the 45 million baht, Mr. Ananchai clarified that the person in question is Ms. Sriprabha Khlongkhamnuan, the daughter of Phra Maha Theeranat's adoptive mother. The foundation stated that the family is wealthy and devout, having donated their personal assets to support the construction of the temple and its facilities for Buddhism.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ananchai also stated that Wat Ratchabophit has confirmed in writing that there is no record of ever defrocking Phra Maha Theeranat, as alleged. He also raised concerns about the origin of the complaint, suggesting that certain individuals or groups may be behind the sending of anonymous letters. However, this is an allegation from the foundation and still requires verification of the facts from those involved.
Mr. Prayuth Prathetsena, or "Maha Hmee," clarified the background of Phra Maha Theeranath, stating that he had been ordained as a novice monk in the Vipassana tradition and had followed senior teachers such as Luang Pu Maha Bua Yanasanpanno and Luang Pu Riang Worlapho.