Monks can ‘touch’ cash, director says

National Office of Buddhism (NOB) director Pongporn Phramsane has dismissed rumours his agency prohibits monks from “touching” money.

The speculation emerged after the NOB early this month issued an order seeking information from temples that pool money in their bank accounts instead of letting monks control it.

“We want only to see role models at temples where monks refrain from touching money, which complies with the Buddhist doctrine,” said Pol Lt Col Pongporn. “There are no other intentions involved.”

The survey has found some temples could serve as role models, he said, refusing to reveal the names of the temples or the number of them.

He stressed the NOB had no authority to ban monks from coming into contact with money.

The order came as authorities seek to prosecute several senior monks and state officials charged with embezzlement of state funds intended for temples.

Pol Lt Col Pongporn insisted almost all officials allegedly involved in the embezzlement scandal have been expelled from the clergy.

Regarding the investigation into a fourth batch of temples believed to be linked with the scandal, he said he needs to wait for a probe carried out by the police Counter-Corruption Division (CCD) first.

He also urged temples that found NOB officials to have committed wrongdoing to report directly to him.

Pol Lt Col Pongporn stressed he will get tough with those involved with the socalled “change money” scheme, a practice where state officials grant fund money to temples but ask them to return part of it to their private accounts.

No such practice will be allowed during his tenure, he added.

Referring to the hunt for fugitive exSangha Supreme Council member Phra Phrom Methee, embroiled in the scandal, he said he would let the judicial process run its course in tracking him down.