INNNews & WINNEWS: World Theravada Buddhist Sangha Council pleads with Prime Minister to Use Peaceful Means with Ven. Dhammajayo Case

May 31, 2016 14:53 Thailand time 

Source: http://www.winnews.tv/news/3881; http://www.innnews.co.th/shownews/show?newscode=702510

A letter from the World Theravada Buddhist Sangha Council (WTBSC) to H.E. General Prayuth Chan-O-Cha implores him to find peaceful means to halt the human rights violations of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Phrathepyanmahamuni (Most Venerable Dhammajayo).

Venerable Pasura Dantamano, Chief of International Affairs Division at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, indicated that the World Theravada Buddhist Sangha Council has filed a letter via email with the Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-O-Cha requesting that he find a peaceful resolution.

At the present moment, Wat Phra Dhammakaya is in a delicate position that warrants grave concern for its abbot, who is defamed and being unjustly charged by Thailand’s (DSI). Since the lawsuit lacks solid evidence, the World Theravada Buddhist Sangha Council fears that he is being unfairly persecuted.  

DSI has violated many laws, including issuing an arrest warrant based on the mere reason that Ven. Dhammajayo did not meet with DSI officials as requested. This is in spite the temple’s plea for DSI to present the abbot with his charges at the temple due to illness that had been verified by a panel of doctors.     

The temple confirms they submitted this request to DSI repeatedly so that they could send their panel of medical specialists to verify Ven. Dhammajayo’s health condition at Wat Phra Dhammakaya. What is suspicious is DSI has refused to respond to their plea and insists on issuing an arrest warrant, which is considered a clear violation of patient rights.

DSI has indicated that it will enlist the help of 2,200 troops in order to arrest the ailing 72-year old monk. Ven. Dhammajayo has dedicated his entire life to fostering world peace and disseminating Buddhism. The attitude and actions of DSI are short of justice and beyond what is necessary. This creates tremendous doubts and uncertainty for other organizations working toward peace and morality.

WTBSC, thus, requests H.E. General Prayuth Chan-O-Cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, to review this matter and generate a peaceful solution to end all violations by DSI on Wat Phra Dhammakaya. WTBSC firmly believes H.E. will understand the sensitivity of the situation and will move forward in a manner most appropriate and most compassionately towards this Buddhist monk.

Security measures around Wat Phra Dhammakaya have been set up.  Venerable Noppon Punyachayo, Deputy Director of Communications, admitted there has been just cause for the increased security measures that included installing barbed-wire onto the temple’s external walls and other areas, and increased numbers of CCTV to monitor people entering and exiting the temple. However, Venerable Noppon affirms that there has been no use of force and that the temple remains positive. There is concern and precaution against third parties who may cause unnecessary problems.

At the same time, the International Buddha Education Institute and YSSSR Foundation (IBEI-YSSSRF) in India presented the 2016 Symbol Peace Award to the Most Venerable Phrathepyanmahamuni Dhammajayo Bhikkhu and the 2016 Global Peace Ambassador Award to the Dhammakaya Foundation to recognize their “devotion, dedication and commitment towards the development of peace and harmony in society.”

Additionally, letters from other organizations located in Korea and Japan have been sent to ask the Prime Minister to intervene in the case including the Theravada Sangha Senate of Korea; We Love Peace Association of Saitama, Japan; and the Thai-Japanese Relations Association of Tokyo, Japan, amongst others.

BangkokBizNews: Dhammakaya Not Worried About Water-Electricity Cut Off, Denies Mobilizing Human Shield

May 29, 2016, 7:30 AM Thailand time

Source: http://www.bangkokbiznews.com/news/detail/700067

Dhammakaya is not worried about water and electricity cut off. Denies mobilizing human shield. Fears third party entering and exiting the premises

Throughout the day at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, supporters continuously arrived to join in meditation and the overnight retreat at the Temple. A recording of Venerable Dhammajayo’s guided meditation is played during the meditation sessions. Meanwhile, Mr. Ong-art Thamnittha, spokesperson for the supporters of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, confirmed that the masses of people coming to the Temple are not here to pressure anyone but to meditate, wish Ven. Dhammajayo a speedy recovery from his illness, and offer their support. Backhoe trucks are used to block some of the entrances to the temple except for the main gate to prevent third parties from instigating trouble. Mr. Ong-art affirms that it is not meant to be permanent. People can still enter and exit the temple. The temple’s supporters respect the law and will not resort to violence.

In respect to DSI’s plan to cut food supply, water and electricity, Mr. Ong-art believes that DSI won’t carry this out. But if DSI does, there shouldn’t be any problems or concerns because everyone joining the meditation retreat is practicing detachment from all comforts and conveniences. This is a practice on patience and perseverance.

NationTV22: DSI Reveals Plan to Cut off Temple’s Food and Water Supply as a Tactic Against Phra Dhammajayo

DSI Reveals Plan to Cut off Temple’s Food and Water Supply as a Tactic Against Phra Dhammajayo.

5,000 Monks-Supporters estimated to be at the Temple. NationTV22

May 27, 2016 17:05 Thailand Time

Source: http://www.nationtv.tv/main/content/social/378503257/

A source says that today DSI estimated there were about 5,000 people at Wat Phra Dhammakaya, including monks and lay people. There were more people today than yesterday (May 26). DSI believes people will continue to come to the temple. State authorities are observing all 15 entrances and are preparing for operations in the next step of their plan, which is to stop the transportation of rice, and disconnect water and food supplies to Wat Phra Dhammakaya.

This will prove who has more endurance - the temple supporters or the state authorities. The government is confident that its forces are stronger because police reinforcements can be mobilized at any time. Once food and water supplies are cut, the Temple’s supporters will gradually leave the Temple. The authorities will then reestimate the number of people who remain inside the temple and ask them to leave before the authorities conduct an inspection within the temple premises. To avoid conflict, this is the gentlest approach. 

The source stated that in the long term, the government wants the public to see what’s right and to express their opinions in order for the Sangha to pressure and investigate their own members. Nonetheless, Venerable Dhammajayo’s current location cannot be determined. He is most likely inside the Dhammakaya Cetiya, but [DSI] requests cooperation from the press as he may have relocated to another location.