The campaign to convince the constitution writers to adopt an official state religion has taken an unfortunately nasty turn. Monks have directly attacked fellow Thai citizens of a different faith, claiming they are on a lower level. Supporters of a constitutional clause setting Buddhism as the official religion of the nation have directly threatened or countenanced violence. These are disturbing events.
There have been many calls in the past to proclaim Buddhism as the official state religion. When authorities including Meechai Ruchupan were putting together the 2007 constitution, the issue caused a brief national debate. There was little obvious support, and the proposal quickly died. Ironically, Mr Meechai is now in charge of producing yet another national charter.
The 2015 version of the "debate" over a state religion is different. It began nastily, when a monk instructor at the estimable Wat Benchamabophit (the Marble Temple) proposed that every time a monk is killed, a mosque be razed. At first glance, this irreligious call to violence appeared to be linked to the low-level war in the deep South. But no, Phra Apichart Punnajanto showed that his hatred included all Thai Muslims and that his fantastical vision of mosque destruction should, in fact, begin with the furthest North.
In short order, the appalled Sangha Council ordered Phra Apichart Punnajanto to stop. The monk closed his hateful Facebook account "temporarily" after a defiant claim he would return when Buddhists want him. And the public must face the fact that a small number of Buddhists strongly share the violent thoughts of Phra Apichart. Within days of the proposed Buddhist jihad against Thai Muslims, a second monk came out from Bangkok's Mahamakut Buddhist University with a Facebook video claiming Ten Reasons Buddhism Should Be the State Religion.
The monks, extremists and others supporting a state religion should consider the response these two "Facebook monks" received. Based on "likes", support was far below 10%. Almost all Thais of all religions and no religion can see through the demands. At least the monks were honest. They stated that they want an official religion so that state violence can be used against those judged in opposition to Buddhism. It seems clear, thankfully, that the vast majority disagrees.
To state, correctly, that Thailand is a secular state is to miss several important points. First, every Thai constitution has strongly and uncontroversially guaranteed and supported freedom of religion. No religion is barred or favoured. This policy, supported by virtually all Thais, exists with the obvious fact that Buddhism is the religion of the majority.
One should hope that the country's leaders are affected by the morals and ethics inherent in Buddhism, as in all religions. At the same time, patriots desire that the state protects freedom of worship without using force against any religion. This is, in fact, Thailand's history, culture and popular belief.
The outright hatred of fellow citizens by monks is disappointing. It is reminiscent of that part of the clergy in Myanmar leading the murders, arson and hateful speech against Rohingya and all that country's Muslims. It is frighteningly un-Buddhist.
Mr Meechai and other responsible officials should end this conversation immediately. There is neither rational reason nor need to install a state religion in the charter. Every constitution promises protection for all followers of all religions. Nothing else is needed.