Expulsion threat hangs over temple

Deer and other wildlife carcasses as well as illegally logged wood have been found at a monastery inside a national park in Kanchanaburi’s Si Sawat district by authorities from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Officials inspected the Bhuddasathan Bunyapalang monastery inside Khuean Srinagarindra National Park yesterday after receiving a tip-off claiming it has illegally encroached on forest land to construct a new building.

They reported finding a pile of illegally logged wood in addition to deer, peacock and bird carcasses as well as the remains of turtles.

“We will take legal action against the monastery chief, who will be charged with possessing illicit timber and wildlife carcasses without the required permits,’’ said Theeti Somapee, chief of the national park.

Mr Theeti did not disclose the name of the monastery’s chief abbot.

However, Mr Theeti said he asked him to provide the authorities with legal documents showing the temple was legally allowed to store the wood and wildlife but to no avail.

Mr Theeti said he would report the case soon in hope of having the monastery’s right to stay in the park revoked if transgressions are found.

The issue first came to light when photos emerged on social media showing the construction of a new building inside the national park.

Shortly afterwards, concerned parties called on authorities to look into whether land was being encroached upon.

Supporters of the monastery have also set up a Facebook page seeking donations for a giant Buddha image there, as well as financial support to build a pier and road linking to the temple.

The authorities found the monastery was allowed to use part of the national park under the Buddha Park Project.

This was launched by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation last year covering 20 rai.