Phra Maha Thiranaht cleared of monastic discipline violations

Matichon•Society•27m ago

Reader Briefing

The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Office of Buddhism found no evidence that Phra Maha Thiranaht violated monastic discipline following allegations regarding temple funds and personal conduct.

•Phra Maha Thiranaht of Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung was accused via anonymous letters of having a wife and children, forest encroachment, and financial mismanagement.
•The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Investigation Committee for Monastic Affairs found no evidence to confirm the allegations.
•Phra Maha Thiranaht stated that approximately 44-45 million baht associated with temple operations since 1994 was used for temple restoration and development.
•The Lawyer Army Dharma Foundation indicated it would take legal action against those filing malicious complaints.

Overview

•Phra Maha Thiranaht, the monastic leader of Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung in Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima, faced allegations via anonymous letters concerning his personal life, forest encroachment, and temple fund management.
•The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Office of Buddhism reported that the provincial investigation committee found insufficient evidence to confirm that Phra Maha Thiranaht violated monastic discipline.
•The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Investigation Committee for Monastic Affairs decided not to issue a disciplinary penalty (nikahakam) against Phra Maha Thiranaht.
•Phra Maha Thiranaht stated that between 1994 and the present, approximately 44-45 million baht was used for the restoration and development of Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung.
•Phra Maha Thiranaht expressed forgiveness toward the accusers, citing Buddhist teachings on compassion and avoiding anger.
•On September 16, reporters observed that activities at Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung remained normal, with Phra Maha Thiranaht performing monastic duties and visitors continuing to make merit.
•Lawyer Anantachai Chaidet of the Lawyer Army Dharma Foundation is responsible for any potential legal proceedings against the accusers.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Entities

Person

Phra Maha Thiranaht Akkhathiro(พระมหาธีรนาถ อคฺคธีโร)

The monastic leader of Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung who was investigated for alleged monastic discipline violations.

Lawyer Anantachai Chaidet(ทนายอนันต์ชัย ไชยเดช)

A lawyer associated with the Lawyer Army Dharma Foundation.

Boonruem(บุญเริ่ม)

A 60-year-old tourist from Buriram province and follower of Phra Maha Thiranaht.

Place

Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung(วัดป่าภูผาสูง)

A temple located in Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Wat Phra Borommathat Chedi Sri Phu Pha Sung.

Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Mahasimaram(วัดราชบพิธสถิตมหาสีมาราม)

A temple mentioned in the allegations regarding the defrocking of Phra Maha Thiranaht.

Organization

Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Office of Buddhism(สำนักงานพระพุทธศาสนาจังหวัดนครราชสีมา)

The government body that reported the results of the monastic investigation in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Lawyer Army Dharma Foundation(มูลนิธิทนายกองทัพธรรม)

An organization that disclosed the investigation results and threatened legal action against malicious accusers.

Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Investigation Committee for Monastic Affairs (Dhammayut)(คณะกรรมการสอบอธิกรณ์จังหวัดนครราชสีมา ธรรมยุต)

The committee responsible for investigating the allegations against Phra Maha Thiranaht.