The ongoing stand-off between the former abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya and his supporters and the law is weighing heavily on many people who are known to be sympathetic to the powerful temple.
Sereepisuth: Half the story
Observers say these people, many of whom are leading figures, are disturbed that the Department of Special Investigation and the police -- the agencies charged with bringing in Phra Dhammajayo to acknowledge criminal charges in connection with the embezzlement of the Klongchan Credit union Cooperative and land encroachment accusations -- have failed to do so.
Thousands of temple disciples have rallied behind the monk whose whereabouts are open to conjecture. High-ranking temple figures are saying they have not seen the monk for months, adding to the confusion among authorities trying to serve him with a summons and have him acknowledge the charge against him.
As the two sides engage in a tug of war, the police concede that launching any kind of drastic action like storming the temple could risk a violent, and possibly bloody, confrontation.
Few high-profile personalities have commented on the politically sensitive issue for fear they might be thrust into a very uncomfortable situation.
However, a video clip recently did the rounds on social media involving former national police chief Sereepisuth Temeeyaves who spoke in sympathetic tones about the temple and its former abbot.
The clip reportedly gave the temple and its disciples a much-needed morale booster at a time of vulnerability, according to observers.
The former national police chief suggested the police defer serving the summons on Phra Dhammajayo who is reported to be sick, saying the senior monk, given his high ecclesiastical status and the good deeds he has done for society, deserves to be treated with respect.
The police have the power to decide on a deferment, he said, adding he personally saw no point in further hounding the former abbot nor rushing in with a warrant to arrest him.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth said the temple had performed a noble social service by sending food and necessities to temples in the far South where monks were at times confined to their living quarters and could not go about their routine alms collection in the morning because of the threat from insurgents.
However, some media critics have slammed the former police chief, accusing him of falling short on logic and rationale.
Responding to Pol Gen Sereepisuth's remark about a pointless rush to capture the senior monk, the critics said the more pressing question was: Why wait?
They insist the DSI has sufficient evidence to establish a connection between the monk and the embezzlement at the Klongchan cooperative. Procedures and the law dictate that once firm evidence is gathered, a suspect must come forward to acknowledge any charges. If not, he or she must be forcibly brought in to answer them.
The critics argue the law must be enforced indiscriminately and fairly on everyone and that it is totally irrelevant that any action should be expedited or delayed on the basis of a suspect's seniority or good deeds he or she has done, or an organisation to which he or she is affiliated.
Supporters, meantime, should be grateful that the suspect they admire is given a chance within the justice system to disprove any criminal allegations and clear any lingering doubts of guilt or innocence.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth, according to the critics, told only half of the story and should reserve his opinions about the temple stand-off or it might hurt his future should he contemplate a full-time career in politics in the long term.
Valuable back-up
Former deputy army chief Gen Wichit Yathip's diplomatic skills in promoting relations with neighbouring countries have long been appreciated by people close to him, and they are still very much in demand.
Wichit: Fence mender
Since his retirement from the army a decade ago, Gen Wichit has shied away from becoming a high-profile politician, but he is well received by authorities close to the political leaderships in neighbouring countries, especially Cambodia.
A trusted aide of former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the general was assigned to deal with Thai-Cambodian issues during his service in the army.
Often, Gen Wichit played an important behind-the scenes role in mending rifts when relations between Thailand and Cambodia turned sour.
In times of peace, Gen Wichit has maintained ties with Cambodian leaders while establishing links between Thai investors and Cambodian government executives, a source said.
Given these close associations, it is no surprise that Gen Wichit is referred to as Somdech Wichit Yathip by some journalists who have close ties with him. In Cambodia, the honorific of "somdech" is conferred on people with a high level of social recognition.
Apart from being the current chairman of the Thailand-Cambodia Friendship Association, Gen Wichit has served as adviser to several business and cultural associations to promote better understanding with other countries such as Myanmar, Laos and China.
Several previous governments relied on his diplomatic skills and his access to leaders of neighbouring countries to ensure success in boosting bilateral ties.
Recently, Gen Wichit was chosen as chairman of the Thai-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association, replacing former army chief and former defence minister Gen Chettha Thanajaro, who stepped down citing health reasons.
Previously, Gen Wichit probably used his political connections to lead several delegations of business executives -- including some from Carabao Tawandang, the manufacturer of Carabao Dang energy drinks -- to Myanmar to help them secure a commercial footing there.
He also accompanied the Carabao band to Cambodia where it performed a concert to consolidate bilateral ties.
The manufacturer of the Carabao Dang energy drinks has a similar investment plan in Cambodia. The production output from Cambodia is expected to cover the local market and Vietnam as well.
When misunderstandings arise along the Thai-Myanmar border, Gen Wichit is often called upon to help security authorities settle them.
As Beijing boosts its presence in Asean and Indochina countries, Gen Wichit has also assumed an equally important role in helping to promote ties with China, liaising between Thai investors and their Chinese counterparts, according to sources familiar with the matter.
His personality and personal acquaintance with neighbouring leaders have strengthened bilateral bonds.
With the relatively placid border situation at the moment, now would seem to be the right time to pursue and share mutual commercial and economic benefits, and Gen Wichit is expected to make the most of his experience and diplomatic skills to provide a much-needed boost through his role in the friendship associations, the sources said.
So wide of the mark
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's cabinet reshuffle did not spring any great surprises, but it did prove that some media outlets had got it all wrong about Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon when they predicted he would be kicked out of the government.
Anupong: The second ‘big brother’
As it turned out, Gen Prawit is doing just fine, retaining his two ministerial portfolios -- deputy prime minister and defence minister.
Speculation was rife that Gen Prawit, dubbed "big brother", would lose his job in the latest cabinet reshuffle which was prompted by the resignations of Gen Dapong Ratanasuwan and Gen Paiboon Koomchaya following their appointment as members of the Privy Council.
Media speculation about Gen Prawit "taking a vacation" was intensified by reports that Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda would step in and take his place.
Gen Anupong's anticipated new powers were apparently triggered by another report that he would be appointed to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
It was widely believed from the start that should Gen Prawit resign, the only person who could fill his shoes would be Gen Anupong, the second "big brother", who commands the deep respect of Gen Prayut.
Military insiders are aware of Gen Prayut's recognition of Gen Anupong. The prime minister, despite being head of government, often refers to Gen Anupong, a former army commander and his supervisor, as "my boss".
On Wednesday Gen Prayut spoke about his boss.
"My boss taught me to think about setting targets and aiming for them. But as we work to achieve the targets, we have to keep our eyes open for what is coming. If you don't watch out for problems along the way you won't get to the target."
However, a source close to Gen Anupong confirmed that the interior minister is content with his current job.
Those familiar with Gen Prawit came up with a theory to explain the speculation. It could, they believe, be intended to weaken the government and discourage the deputy prime minister, in the hopes that he would finally step down.
Early this year Gen Prawit raised the prospect of him stepping down because the ministerial job was wearing him out. It could not be determined if he was serious about it.
Gen Prayut reacted to Gen Prawit's remark by saying that Gen Prawit might resign, but he would also immediately invoke his power under Section 44 of the interim constitution to reinstate the deputy prime minister.
Following the latest reshuffle, Gen Prayut insisted he has never considered removing Gen Prawit from the cabinet.
The prime minister was quoted by a source as saying on Tuesday after the cabinet meeting: "I never thought of removing him. He does good work. Show me evidence if you think he has any flaws."
To political observers, Gen Prawit is unlikely to be allowed to take a break. If he does so, it will be seen in the first instance as a sign of conflict within the government and the junta, according to the source.
Despite his age and the challenging work, his supporters inside the government agree Gen Prawit is committed to the job. It is reported that he had promised not to leave Gen Prayut behind when he stepped in to help after the May 2014 coup.