Religion S44 order ‘clears confusion’

Regime ‘not giving priority to Buddhism’

The Section 44 order issued on Monday which prevents acts threatening Buddhism and other religions aims to address misinterpretations of religious content in the draft charter in the deep South.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon yesterday the order issued under the interim charter aimed to clear up misunderstandings held by non-Buddhist southerners about Section 67 of the draft charter relating to Buddhism and other religions.

The order, issued by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, will set up a panel to prevent acts which threaten Buddhism and other religions.

Gen Prawit said the order was necessary as some people exploited religious issues to stir up conflict in the southern provinces before the Aug 7 referendum.

Section 67 stipulates the state must support and protect Buddhism and other religions as well as encourage education and dissemination of the “correct” Theravada Buddhism doctrines. Measures to prevent acts damaging Buddhism must also be devised.

With the details emphasising Buddhism, some non-Buddhist groups in the far South were accused of misleading locals before the referendum, saying the law prioritises Buddhism.

Gen Prawit said the government had no intention of subordinating other religions to Buddhism as some groups believe.

“Some content in the draft charter may be ambiguous. For this reason, the prime minister has adopted this approach to make people understand the government provides protection for all religions equally,” he said. He insisted the order was issued to address the situation in the far South and has nothing to do with conflicts among the clergy.

The order stipulates the panel of representatives from religious agencies will work on measures to prevent acts considered damaging to Buddhism and other religions as well as encourage unity among followers of different faiths.

The measures must be proposed to the cabinet within three months.

Also, the Office of National Buddhism and the Department of Religious Affairs must report on the success or otherwise of the proposed measures to the prime minister every three months.

The order also says state agencies must support the education and dissemination of the “correct” Buddhist doctrines as well as the doctrines of other religions.

Gen Prayut said the order was issued to forge understanding in the deep South that the government has no intention of oppressing other religions.

The order also will help prevent distortion of the draft charter, he said.

Constitution Drafting Committee spokesman Udom Rathamarit yesterday insisted Section 67 does not ban other religions or limit people’s freedom of religion.

Everybody has the right to choose their own religion and every religion is protected and supported equally. The premier’s order was issued to make all sides understand that the government treated all religions fairly, he said.

Also yesterday, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suwapan Tanyuwattana said that the order was put in place to assure non-Buddhists that the government will support every religion equally, not only Buddhism.