Tag: Mano Laohavanich

Thai Monks and Cops In Bizarre Temple Turf War

March 2, 2017 by

One side of the temple gate is blocked by cops in blue, the other by rows of bald men in orange — the frontline of a bizarre stand-off between the Thai state and Buddhist monks that is raising questions of impunity, religion and power. The Dhammakaya temple’s compound in northern Bangkok has been under siege … Read more

Thai Cops Find Tunnel In Manhunt For Elderly Monk

February 17, 2017 by

Thai cops have uncovered secret tunnels running underneath a space-age temple of the controversial Dhammakaya Buddhist sect, as their manhunt for an elusive elderly monk accused of massive embezzlement entered a second day. Thousands of officers are involved in the search for the 72-year-old monk Phra Dhammachayo, who is believed to be holed up in … Read more