PM Defends Sacred Amulet, Denies Single-Monk Endorsement
Prime Minister Anutin defended his wearing of a sacred amulet as blessed by multiple monks rather than a single individual, following the arrest of a former abbot at Wat Phut Thai Thaweewan for drug possession and temple fund misappropriati
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister addressed the controversy on September 11, 2569, at the Anti-Money Laundering Office after the former abbot of Wat Phut Thai Thaweewan was arrested for drug possession and misappropriating temple funds. Anutin responded to online criticism of his wearing a sacred amulet, saying that sacred objects work for those who believe in them, and that such items are blessed by a group of monks, not by a single individual. He emphasized that these sacred objects repel evil, and that people with sincere and good hearts will not harbor wrongdoing. Regarding the scale of the investigation, which has drawn links to money laundering, Anutin stated that the Anti-Money Laundering Office and police must cooperate to determine whether the case involves theft or public deception, though he confirmed it is certainly unlawful. When asked about inspecting other temples that receive large donations, Anutin indicated that ongoing audits are likely already in progress.
