Thread: DSI proposes defrocking Dhammakaya abbot

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has proposed the National Office of Buddhism to defrock the abbot of Dhammakaya temple in Pathumthani province after its investigation revealed that he was guilty of misappropriation and receiving stolen property.

The DSI came out with the proposal after its investigators have probed and gained substantial evidence from several relevant government agencies which include the Court of Justices, the Office of the Attorney-General, the National Office of Buddhism, the Supreme Sangha Council, the Crime Suppression Division, and the Office of the Auditor General.

It concluded in its finding that Phra Dhammachayo, the abbot of the Dhammakaya temple, had committed wrongful acts that are against Articles 147 and 157 of the Criminal Code after he was alleged to have misappropriated the property of the temple for personal purposes, and to receive stolen property.

Although the abbot had returned the misappropriated property (land plot) to his temple, it was not a reason to exempt him from the offences he had committed. Instead his return of the property was made out of confutation to evidences.

The DSI then proposed that the abbot must be defrocked under an earlier order by the former Supreme Patriarch after the Supreme Sangha Council had reached a resolution to defrock the abbot.

Meanwhile Minister of PM’s Office Mr Suvaphan Tanyuwattana said he hasn’t received official proposal but said that the National Office of Buddhism must coordinate with the DSI over the issue.

DSI proposes defrocking Dhammakaya abbot - Thai PBS English News

Can a DSI be defrocked?...