The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) may be asked to help resolve a conflict over the management of Bang Khlan Temple in Pho Thale district of Phichit province.
A clash broke out last week when district police and defence volunteers escorted the acting abbot to the temple and were resisted by people who are opposed to the acting abbot, claiming that they do not trust him because of his previous financial record, fearing that the temple’s assets may be mismanaged.
Those who oppose the acting abbot invited Phichit Governor Payon Asawapichayon to a meeting on Monday, at the Pho Tale municipal office, to settle the conflict, but abruptly cancelled the meeting. Instead, they asked the provincial administration to hold a meeting, at which all stakeholders would have the opportunity to solve the problem.
While admitting that the conflict has painted the temple and religious security in a negative light, the governor said that, if local officials and police cannot resolve the conflict peacefully, he may ask the DSI for help.
Sources familiar with the temple said that the conflict stems from its wealth, derived from public donations and the sale of amulets of Luang Phor Ngern, a highly revered deceased monk who built the temple over 100 years ago.
The former abbot of the temple was removed by the provincial sangha office, for alleged misuse of the temple’s funds, and an acting abbot was appointed, but his appointment has been opposed by a group of people in the Pho Thale district.
Currently, the people of the district are divided over the appointment.
Those opposing have asked Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha to resolve the conflict, but without success.
On April 6th, however, a group of men forced their way into the temple and attacked the temple manager and some workers there, injuring 10 people, including the manager. About 20 alleged assailants have been arrested and charged with assault and intrusion.
