Phuket shrine members demand financial transparency

PHUKET: As swords are drawn and firecrackers thrown for the Vegetarian Festival, a very different procession yesterday saw dozens of members of the Pud Jor Shrine marching to the Muang District Office to file a complaint against the shrine’s president.

The group requested that the office investigate the financial transactions of the shrine and that complete transparency be put in place for all further transactions.

“We would like to have access to the shrine’s income and expense records,” said Krittapat Vachirasakulwong, who led the march barefoot. “We would also like to be a part of the money counting process. We do not want to interfere, but only ask for transparency.”

A large crowd gathered as Mr Krittapat presented the complaint letter to Muang District Chief Administrative Officer (palad) Narit Lerddee, but quickly dispersed afterward.

“We just want to ensure that our donations are being used in the best interests of the shrine,” Mr Krittapat added.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong