Bangkok: 'Pakorn' has mandated the Office of National Buddhism to undertake an aggressive reform of the auditing system for temple funds, establishing a connection with the Revenue Department. This directive aims to curb corruption and inappropriate conduct within temples by setting up a centralized accounting system. He has also urged the public to refrain from sharing emotionally damaging images related to recent incidents, as they tarnish the country's image and harm Buddhists.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan, overseeing legal affairs, discussed the recent arrest of the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya province, who faces charges of embezzlement and sexual misconduct. Pakorn stressed the importance of distinguishing between Buddhism as a religion and the conduct of monks, emphasizing that the core issue lies in individual mindsets rather than a lack of laws. He highlighted the necessity of mental refinement to eliminate desires, which, if unchecked, can lead to actions that negatively impact Buddhism.
Pakorn expressed his sorrow over the incident's imagery, requesting the public to cease its dissemination to avoid further emotional harm to Buddhists and damage to the nation's image. While emphasizing the importance of legal action where crimes have occurred, he drew parallels to local government exam corruption cases, underlining their detrimental effects on governance foundations. Pakorn reiterated Buddhism's role as a guiding principle for Thai people, warning of potential national issues without it.
Addressing the situation, Pakorn has tasked the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) to collaborate with the police, focusing on prosecution as the primary response. He acknowledged the challenges in overseeing the conduct of monks, noting the limitations of simply providing education. Pakorn emphasized the importance of proactive measures, particularly regarding temple assets, instructing the NOB to establish a user-friendly accounting system for temples, linked to a central authority for effective fund monitoring and early problem detection.
Pakorn illustrated that early detection of irregularities, such as excessive spending or inconsistent accounting figures, could prompt timely investigations, preventing future issues. He encouraged laypeople to participate in oversight and reiterated his request for restraint in sharing incident images, emphasizing their harm to Buddhists. Pakorn clarified that the collaboration between secular and religious authorities focuses on verification and guidance rather than coercion, with religious rules governed by the Supreme Sangha Council and Vinaya.
He noted that the system received funding this year, around 60 million baht, for developing a centralized temple accounting system, which is just beginning. Pakorn acknowledged initial challenges in auditing due to paper-based procedures but highlighted the potential benefits of linking data with systems like the Revenue Department's automated donation system.
Addressing concerns about Buddhist commercialism through sacred objects, Pakorn stated that belief in such objects is subjective and not directly related to recent events. He emphasized the need for knowledge and wisdom to avoid superstition. Regarding the proposal to station police at temples, Pakorn deemed it cost-ineffective, stressing the importance of individual mindsets in preventing issues.
The National Office of Buddhism affirmed its access to various temples, acknowledging varying implementation effectiveness. The office aims for a more proactive approach, including monitoring systems to prevent and address issues before they impact Buddhism.