Bangkok: "Aunt Da" expressed disappointment after the Buddhist Office declined her request to view documents related to the establishment of Wat Pa Adulyaram, suggesting she appeal to the Prime Minister's Office due to confidentiality reasons. Nonetheless, the Buddhist Office confirmed the temple's legitimacy, noting it has undergone all required procedures and received approval from the Supreme Sangha Council.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chommanee Noijan, known as Auntie Da, along with representatives of the land heirs of Mr. Hiang, who donated the land for Wat Pa Adulyaram's construction in Khon Kaen Province, sought to review the documents and evidence related to the temple's establishment. Their aim was to verify if the process adhered to the regulations of the National Office of Buddhism and the Buddhist Sangha Act.
Following their review, Aunt Da and her group voiced their disappointment, as the National Buddhist Office failed to confirm the legality of the temple's establishment and did not provide the necessary documents, citing confidentiality. They advised the heirs to appeal to the Prime Minister's Office and stated that if clear documents confirming the land's legal status as a temple were available, the heirs would have no further objections.
The group's lawyer noted that their visit aimed to inspect the temple construction process and its evidence. However, they received only one type of document, which they deemed unnecessary given its existing availability. They argued that the documents requested by the heirs should not be confidential, and the matter could be resolved by disclosing them.
Assistant Professor Pareena Sriwanich, an advisor on research and development in Buddhist studies at the National Office of Buddhism, explained that the National Office of Buddhism shared information in line with the Open Data policy and the Information Act. The documents provided included the permit to build the temple, the Supreme Sangha Council's resolution, and documents registering the temple in the National Office's system, all publicly available. She detailed the multistage process involving government and monastic community consultations before the Supreme Sangha Council issues the establishment permit.
Regarding additional document requests, such as temple construction plans, the Buddhist Office stated that specific requests must be clearly defined. They confirmed Wat Pa Adulyaram underwent the correct establishment process and is registered as a temple in their system. If dissatisfied with the information disclosure, petitioners can file a complaint with the Information Disclosure Review Committee following established procedures.