On December 26, 2016, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) permanently revoked the license of the Dhamma Media Channel (DMC.TV) on grounds of it being a threat to the national security of Thailand.
On a recent Daily Dose, the host, M.L. Natthakorn, takes on the topic of amending the Sangha Act. This potential modification centers specifically on Section 7 of the Sangha Act of 1962 - the nomination and assignment of the Supreme Patriarch. The modification will essentially transfer the power to nominate and select the Supreme Patriarch from the hands of the Supreme Sangha Council to that of the Prime Minister. The long term impact this alteration will have, in the eyes of Phra Meteedhammajarn, is colossal and irreparable.
The Thai Sangha considers being forced to disrobe akin to execution for monks who have taken a vow of lifelong ordination.
However, in Thailand the Thai secular government can disrobe any monk they want using loopholes in the Thai legal code. All they have to do is follow a simple "Forced Disrobe Scheme" to get rid of any influential monk they may see as a threat. Here's how it works.
1. Why did DSI choose to release a written statement instead of an announcement via live press conference? This is highly unusual for a high profile case being followed closely by the public, particularly, when reporters from most of the Thai media outlets had been on standby outside of DSI headquarters for most of the day.
