Ex-abbot booted from envoy job

Ex-abbot booted from envoy job

Phra Phromsuthi, the former abbot of Wat Sa Ket, was yesterday removed from his position of chairman of the office directing Phra Dhammaduta, the grouping of monks whose mission is to teach and promote Buddhism abroad.

The decision to remove him was taken at a meeting of the Supreme Sangha Council (SSC), which last week dismissed Phra Phromsuthi from its ranks.

Promsuthi: Probed for expensive funeral

Last week's move followed the start of an investigation by the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) into spending irregularities involving the 67-million-baht funeral rites of Somdej Phra Buddhacharn, also known as Somdej Kiew, the former acting Supreme Patriarch and the former abbot of Wat Sa Ket.

Chaithanapol Srijiwangsa, who represents the People's Network Organisation for the Security of the Nation, Religion and the King, earlier lodged a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission against Phra Phromsuthi, sparking the inquiry.

Along with his dismissal from the SSC, Phra Phromsuthi was also removed from his posts as the abbot of Wat Sa Ket and the chief of Sangha Region 12. The dismissal was ordered by Phra Phrom Dilok, chief of Bangkok Sangha and Somdej Phra Phutthajarn, the abbot of Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram and chief of the East Sangha.

Phra Phromsuthi's dismissal from Wat Sa Ket and the Sangha Region 12 has yet to be endorsed by the SSC.

The SSC appointed Phra Phromsitthi, acting abbot of Wat Sa Ket, to serve also as acting chairman of the Phra Dhammaduta office, said Phra Phrom Methi, a member of the council and its spokesman.

Phra Phrom Methi said the SSC resolved to remove Phra Phromsuthi from this position to ensure transparency in the investigation against him.

The council is waiting for the conclusion of the OAG investigation to decide on his his other roles.

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