Mind the gap: Criticism mounts as authorities fail to rein in cult

The National Office of Buddhism and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (M-Society) are facing criticism for not taking action against a mind connection cult led by an eight year old Thai boy and his parents.

The Thai couple and their son, known as the Nice Mind Connection, are facing criticism for establishing a religious cult centred on the concept of mind connection. They assert their capability to transmit Buddhist teachings (dhamma) to individuals through their alleged mind connection ability.

The family also claimed multiple supernatural powers of Nice, such as an ability to recall past lives and communicate with supernatural spirits. They have even claimed that Nice can communicate with Russian President Vladimir Putin through his mind connection abilities.

Nice’s alleged supernatural abilities have attracted numerous followers in Thailand. The family even host seminars and meetings where followers gather and pay for mind connection training.

However, his alleged abilities have also raised concerns among Thai society. Some accuse the parents of exploiting the young boy by using him to make money. Many locals have urged the National Office of Buddhism to investigate the cult further.

Despite the ongoing issue, no relevant departments took serious action. As a result, representatives from several organisations have decided to take legal steps against the mind connection cult.

The group of representatives was led by a Thai lawyer and the president of Dhamma Warriors Ananchai Chaiyadate, a former politician from the Democrat Party Tankhun Jitt-itsara, Be One Foundation founder Chalida Palamart, and a former well-known monk Praiwan Wannabut.

Lawyer Ananchai believes that the National Office of Buddhism ought to take action against the cult for disseminating false and distorted teachings of Buddhism. However, he noted the office’s apparent inability to address the matter adequately due to a lack of legal expertise.

Ananchai further called upon the M-Society to intervene, highlighting the exploitation of Nice by his parents for financial gain and their encouragement of his inappropriate behaviour. He appealed to the parents to cease their actions and allow Nice to experience a normal childhood and education.

Nevertheless, the National Office of Buddhism maintained that the issue fell outside its purview since it did not involve a monk. However, they indicated their intent to investigate whether the teachings of the cult contravene Buddhist doctrine.