Bangkok: The chairman of the House Committee on Religious Affairs refuted rumors, confirming that there will be no disciplinary action against the monk who was hit by a car in Mukdahan province. The chairman stated that the rumors distort the facts and are causing confusion in society.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Thivalrarat Angkinan, MP for Phetchaburi from the Bhumjaithai Party and Chair of the House Committee on Religion, Arts and Culture, revealed that the news circulating online claiming the committee would investigate a Buddhist monk involved in a car accident in Mukdahan province is false and that the matter has never been submitted to the committee for consideration.
Ms. Thivalarat stated that the disseminated news had created a misunderstanding regarding the role and responsibilities of the committee, as well as causing confusion among the clergy and the public. She clarified that the committee's mission focuses on promoting, protecting, and preserving Buddhism, art, and national culture, not on handling criminal cases or conducting disciplinary investigations against monks, which are the authority of relevant agencies under the law and the Sangha.
As for the powers and duties of the Committee, they are in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives 2019, Section 90 (30), which states that it has the duty to study, research, consider, investigate facts, or study matters related to the patronage, maintenance, and protection of religion, as well as the conservation of historical sites and the promotion of arts and culture, without having the power to investigate criminal cases or take disciplinary action against monks.
"Presenting information that is not only misleading the public, but may also negatively impact the image of the committee and the feelings of the monastic community, which is not good for society as a whole. Therefore, we urge all parties to verify information from official sources before publishing to avoid unnecessary confusion or division," said Ms. Thivalarat.
The chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee further stated that the committee is scheduled to attend the funeral rites for the monks who died in the accident, as well as visit the injured monks to express condolences, offer encouragement, and appropriately gather facts from the area. This is in line with their role in promoting and protecting Buddhism, as well as boosting morale among the monastic community and Buddhists.
Ms. Thivalrarat emphasized that the committee will remain committed to working fairly, transparently, and respecting the rule of law and Buddhist principles. It will continue to act as a bridge of understanding between the government, the monastic community, and the public, working together to preserve Buddhism, national art, and culture based on righteousness, unity, and trust within society.