Nakhon ratchasima: The Dhamma Army Lawyers Foundation has declared the innocence of Phra Maha Theeranath and is set to pursue legal action against media outlets and government officials for disseminating false information concerning allegations against Wat Phu Pha Sung.
According to Thai News Agency, the legal representatives of the Dhamma Army Lawyers Foundation, led by President Mr. Ananchai Chaiyadej and Vice President Mr. Prayuth Prathetsena, also known as "Maha Hmee," held a press conference to address the allegations targeting Phra Maha Theeranath Akkhathiro. These allegations, propagated by various media outlets, include claims regarding his family, defrocking from Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Mahasimararam, forest encroachment, and mismanagement of temple funds.
Mr. Ananchai Chaiyadej clarified that these accusations have surfaced repeatedly since 2007 but have been consistently dismissed as unfounded after investigations by the Sangha Council, the National Office of Buddhism, and nine other government agencies. He emphasized that Phra Maha Theeranath was found innocent by all investigative bodies. He also addressed the claim about a supposed wife managing a significant sum of money, explaining that the woman in question is Ms. Sriprabha Khlongkhamnuan, the daughter of Phra Maha Theeranath's adoptive mother, who is part of a philanthropic family donating generously to Buddhist causes. Furthermore, Wat Ratchabophit has officially stated that Phra Maha Theeranath was never defrocked, contrary to the allegations. Mr. Ananchai suggested that jealousy among high-ranking monks might be the root cause of these unfounded claims.
Mr. Prayuth Prathetsena provided additional details, noting that Phra Maha Theeranath was initially ordained as a novice monk under esteemed teachers and later disrobed voluntarily in 1994, with all necessary documentation supporting this. His second ordination led to his oversight of the Phu Kratae forest area, which was legally allocated by the Forestry Department and local villagers. The financial management of the mountain monastery, not yet a legal temple, is conducted according to established practices, with donations directed towards religious construction.
In conclusion, Mr. Ananchai addressed the issue of leaked official documents and announced intentions to prosecute responsible officials under Section 157. He demanded a formal apology from the implicated media outlets within seven days, warning of full legal proceedings should they fail to comply.