Showing 1 - 6 of 6
Clashes in the clergy over Somdej Chuang nomination
Spectrum, Published on 25/12/2016
» Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamangalacharn was once considered the most likely candidate to take the vacant supreme patriarch position. Widely known as "Somdej Chuang", he assumed the "Somdej" title, the second ranking to supreme patriarch, longer than any other monks before him. Belonging to the Mahaniyaka sect, he is the presiding abbot of Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen, or Wat Paknam.
Our top 10 stories in a year that will be hard to forget
Spectrum, Published on 25/12/2016
» Over the past year 'Spectrum' has reported a wide range of issues to give readers valuable insights. Our reporter ambushed the monk who helped Leicester City to their shock English Premier League title to get an exclusive. Another reporter blended in with Chinese yuppies in the new business district of Bangkok to find out why they decided to migrate to Thailand. Two reporters did a series of stories on the Tiger Temple by hanging out with the veterinarian, monks and national park officers to listen to all sides. We were determined to find the truth. Last month we also went up to Chiang Mai to talk to Hmong girls wrongly accused of stealing a British tourist's watch. Here are the top 10 stories in another exciting year of reporting.
Supreme showdown
Spectrum, Nanchanok Wongsamuth, Published on 06/03/2016
» As two feuding camps clash over the nomination of the new supreme patriarch, the government has been caught in the crossfire.
Armed with magic, a monk eyes true power
Spectrum, Published on 08/03/2015
» His official biographers paint Phra Dhammachayo as a golden child, the "reincarnation of a crystal ball" who was destined to lead his army of followers on the path to enlightenment.
Making money over merit
Spectrum, Nattha Thepbamrung, Published on 17/08/2014
» Since it came out with its esoteric teachings on Buddhism in 1970, the secretive Dhammakaya temple and its adherents have been rumoured to be involved in illegal actions which are at odds with the traditional monkhood.
No good deed: Fight heats up over 'abandoned' temple
Spectrum, Tunya Sukpanich, Published on 30/09/2012
» A dispute over the legality of a temple on a remote island lake in the northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon is shedding light on the problem of abandoned and disused wats.