Prayut puts faith in new NOB director

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed confidence the new director of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) will be able to solve problems plaguing the clergy and the NOB itself.

Gen Prayut was referring to the cabinet’s decision to transfer Manas Taratjai, director-general of the Religious Affairs Department under the Culture Ministry, to become the new NOB director.

The transfer was proposed by Prime Minister’s Office Minister Ormsin Chivapruck and approved by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam.

Mr Manas retires on Oct 1, 2018 and one of his key tasks will be tackling the Alpine land case.

Gen Prayut said the new NOB director has been assigned to solve problems without stirring up conflicts, or favouring any particular side. The new NOB director must ensure cases relating to monks and the clergy must follow legal procedures, and reform the NOB to address problems in the organisation, he said.

“If the new NOB director fails to follow the law, we must change the director again. The person of my choice is the one who must carry out his duties to the best of his ability, reform his organisation and solve problems with proper measures and in line with the justice system,” Gen Prayut said.

The position of NOB director has become contentious since the Department of Special Investigation tried to arrest Phra Dhammajayo, the abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, in February this year.

Pongporn Pramsaneh was appointed to the job, but the move met strong resistance from the temple’s disciples and monks. Mr Manas replaced him on Tuesday.

Ms Wissanu yesterday said Mr Manas may have to double as acting director-general of the Religious Affairs Department temporarily until the conclusion of the royal cremation ceremonies of the late King Bhumibol. Preparation for the ceremonies requires the cooperation of both the NOB and the department, Mr Wissanu said.

Paiboon Nititawan, a former senator and ex-member of the now-defunct National Reform Council, yesterday said the removal of Pol Lt Col Pongporn as the NOB director was engineered by some senior members of the Sangha Supreme Council (SSC) to end the investigation into alleged embezzlement of temple funds nationwide, which could implicate certain SSC senior members.

Pol Lt Col Pongporn was transferred to the PM’s Office Ministry as an inspectorgeneral on Aug 29.