Destroyed artefacts probe urged

Destroyed artefacts probe urged

Residents near Wat Kalayanamit have asked the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to probe officials who allegedly failed to act against the local temple's abbot when he was accused of destroying historical remains and antiques.

They lodged their complaint with the NLA's committee on religion, culture and tourism yesterday while it was inspecting the riverside temple. 

Abbot Phra Tham Chedi has been at odds with locals for 11 years, said residents' representative Chaisit Kittiwanichaphan.

The committee led deputy Phetchaburi governor Pol Lt Col ML Kitibodee Pravitra to the spot where an ancient pagoda, containing the ashes of a wife and son of King Rama V  were reportedly removed.

The residents' conflict with Phra Tham Chedi began in 2003, when he planned to renovate an area of the temple without permission which houses historical remains and antiques listed with the Fine Arts Department.

The locals claimed the abbot wanted to construct a building and a car park. During renovation work, the temple also allegedly revoked some residents' land leases, Mr Chaisit said.

The residents filed a complaint with Buppha Ram police station over the destruction of historical valuables, but the officers allegedly took no action.

In 2009, locals' representatives petitioned the Administrative Court to take action against Phra Tham Chedi.

In December 2010, the judge ordered the Fine Arts Department to stop the demolition.

However, at least 17 historical items were reportedly removed or destroyed.

Archaeology Office chief Tharaphong Sisuchat said yesterday the department had sent letters to the abbot many times, warning him against the demolition, but the temple still went ahead with its plan.

The department filed 14 complaints of wrongdoing against the temple and the abbot, but police and prosecutors dropped them, leaving only four cases for police to investigate further, he said.

In 2011, prosecutors had reportedly decided not to indict Phra Tham Chedi, saying the abbot had no intention to commit any wrongdoing.

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