Renowned Thai monk investigated for criticising government’s handling of pandemic

One of Thailand’s most prominent Buddhist monks has been accused of meddling in politics after he criticised the government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Thai PBS World reports that the Sangha Supreme Council has found Phra Maha Sompong Talaputto guilty of expressing political views, which is considered inappropriate. The monk and popular preacher from Bangkok’s Soi Thong Temple is renowned for his humorous talks, often with sarcastic political comments thrown in.

Anucha Nakasai from the office of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says the government had ordered the National Office of Buddhism to ask the Sangha Supreme Council to investigate social media reports that Phra Maha Sompong had criticised the government over its handling of Covid-19. He says now that the council has confirmed the claims and ruled against the monk, the abbot at Soi Thong Temple and the provincial chief monk will investigate Phra Maha Sompong’s behaviour to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

The monk is a long-standing critic of the PM. It’s understood the Sangha Supreme Council has also accused him of advertising liquid fertiliser on social media.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World