Thai newspaper: Luang Pu's behavior is 'outrageous'; wipe out the pan for Buddhist authorities
The Thai daily 'Matichon' has reported daily about Luang Pu since June 18. Each time a whole page of news with all new and old revelations and photos of his fleet, houses and women. They are factual, somewhat long-winded stories, boring to read, without analysis or explanation but very complete, that is.
'Matichon' dedicates two 'Editorials' to the case. On June 20, a strong story (with a few blows to the arm) in which it is stated that the behavior of this monk makes the believers lose faith in Buddhism and the question is asked whether the Buddhist authorities were asleep.
On July 10, a more powerful story entitled "Let's protect the religion together," condemning this monk's behavior in terms of outrageous, indecent and unbelievable. In particular, the misuse of gifts from believers is mentioned. The Buddhist authorities are slammed ('they must have known about this but looked the other way') and the rhetorical question is asked why the believers, who certainly also knew about his lifestyle, did not sound the alarm.
'Matichon' published an article on July 8 that explains this monk's 'network', his ties to politicians, police and many others, his bank accounts and his travels to the US and France. The monk once killed someone, which was bought off. In 2010, a woman filed a lawsuit for sexual assault, but the story does not tell how that ended. Someone must have kept his hand above his head, is the conclusion. And they end with the sigh: 'How will this end….'
The regular news on television also reports on this juicy history every day.
I visited a number of websites and watched a few videos on YouTube. The comments don't lie, that is, he's being scolded, it's all hell and damnation.
A few days ago, the woman who was impregnated by the monk at the age of 14 (she is now 25 years old) was interrogated by the well-known anchor Sorayuth. She told how the monk caught her eye when she visited the temple with her grandmother. How the monk worked her parents (promised them money) until they agreed to the monk's plans, how the monk picked her up in his car and immediately raped her.
She gave birth in Bangkok, the monk gave her 10.000 baht a month. When asked how to proceed, she only wanted to say that the monk must support her and her child financially with a view to the future of her child.
See also: http://en.luangpunenkham.com/ as well as the article Is the Sangha doomed? by Tino Kuis on Thailandblog.
In an earlier article I tried to explain how patronage works. And how strong networks are. The case of this 'monk' confirms my story. It is not uncommon for believers to give money to the monk personally in addition to money to the temple. The abbot who recently left office (after more than 30 years as a monk) and now lives in Japan with his lover has collected an estimated 200 million baht (gifts, book writing, lectures). This monk, however, has betrayed the cause and the believers. Under the pretext of realizing buildings and statues, he received money and spent it on himself. And not just to himself. Everyone in his network (starting with his father and mother) took full advantage of his wealth. For example, he bought 22 Benz and gave one to his friend. Now THAT is patronage: buying up someone's freedom of speech, psychic enslavement. The people who accepted all his presents have officially done nothing wrong. After all, you keep your mouth shut when you receive expensive gifts from a rich and well-known monk. It is also not forbidden to accept gold, money, houses and cars as gifts. If THESE people are now indignant, I think it is hypocritical. I don't rule that out though.
@ Chris Small correction. The 22 Benz, according to the Bangkok Post quoting the head of the DSI, has been ordered from a dealer in Ubon Ratchatani (so apparently not yet delivered). More on this in News from Thailand to be posted later today.
Dear Chris,
Thanks in the first place for your postings on this blog about phenomena in Thai society. I enjoy reading them because they provide insight into how people behave within given social institutions.
One such institution/institution is patronage. Of all times and of all nations. You have clearly explained how it works in Thailand in a few (previous) articles.
However, you speak mildly about those who accept the presents, and for that reason keep their mouths shut. It is as if patronage happens to someone, no defense is possible, the 'patron' is leading and the 'client' is the direct object.
Thailandblog recently announced that corruption is not exactly rejected. Such a collective attitude in society seems very inviting to those who use patronage to achieve their goals. Isn't it true that the role of the 'direct object' is much greater and that he/she therefore also maintains patronage?
Regards, Rudolph
dear Rudolph…
Indeed, patronage requires two parties: the one who gives and the one who accepts. Patronage works stealthily and - as far as I can see - is only used in your own clan or to bind new clan members to you. it never starts with a Benz, it starts with a much smaller gift like a gold ring or necklace for your birthday or New Year. And slowly it gets bigger. The giver has an implicit purpose in doing so: to show you that you are a valuable person, that you can be trusted, and that you deserve the giver's friendship. In the long run, the giver may ask more of you. The recipient is flattered at first, gets valuable things that he/she would not easily buy. And as said: it goes insidiously. The question then is when you say – to a good friend – that you can no longer accept a certain gift. And if you do: then you can't say no to the requests of the giver that are hardly motrically objectionable or even illegal. Columnist Voranai wrote about this in recent weeks: these people have to make a choice: is the clan more important, or the law (or the country)?
Moderator: Last post on patronage, because you're straying off topic.