Showing 1 - 10 of 18
Smart ID cards for monks & temple auditing
Jon Fernquest, Published on 06/07/2017
» Surveillance of monks & better accounting at temples after high-profile embezzlement cases clearly show need.
Stealing temple money: Top Buddhism official caught
Jon Fernquest, Published on 12/06/2017
» Four National Office of Buddhism officials charged with stealing temple maintenance funds (nationwide 400-500 million per year).
Sangha Act: Changes in laws on monks & money
Jon Fernquest, Published on 24/02/2017
» New prohibitions on monks receiving large amounts of money or inheriting assets & property from their family as well as improving the management of temple funds included in new law.
Showdown over Supreme Patriarch
Jon Fernquest, Published on 08/03/2016
» Phra Buddha Isara on how Wat Dhammakaya's rise to power is a problem, if power corrupts & absolute power corrupts absolutely, as the saying goes.
DSI proposes defrocking Dhammakaya abbot
Jon Fernquest, Published on 05/02/2016
» Late Supreme Patriarch's letter recommending Phra Dhammachayo be defrocked is legally binding, according to DSI. National Office of Buddhism asked to take action.
Angel dolls: Sacred or superstition?
Jon Fernquest, Published on 27/01/2016
» Angel dolls ease fears & bring peace-of-mind say some monks. Doll owner fantasy world wasteful of money poor children could use, say others.
Former Wat Sa Ket abbot found dead in living quarters
Jon Fernquest, Published on 25/01/2016
» Former abbot of Wat Sa Ket (famous for Golden Mountain) & former Supreme Sangha Council member found hanging in living quarters in monastery.
Temple community next, after Rama 5 buildings destroyed by abbot
Jon Fernquest, Published on 10/09/2015
» New abbot at Wat Kalayanamit in Thonburi began destroying historical buildings in 2003, govt sued to protect buildings, but abbot then targeted community for destruction as well. Destruction of homes has started.
Chequebook Buddhism: Threat to Buddhism in Thailand?
Jon Fernquest, Published on 09/04/2015
» From private jets to multi-million dollar donations from corrupt businessmen, Thailand's monks are being criticized for increasing commercialism.
What's new in business news: March 3, 2015
Jon Fernquest, Published on 03/03/2015
» Anti-Money Laundering Office freeze on Dhammakaya assets, temple financial audits overdue & electric buses for Bangkok instead of natural gas NGV buses.