Khon kaen: Lawyer Ananchai Chaiyadej, representing the Dhamma Army Lawyers Foundation, has issued a 7-day ultimatum for Uncle Waen and Thanos to apologize to Phra Khru Adulsaranithet, the abbot of Wat Pa Adulyaram, amid an ongoing land dispute.
According to Thai News Agency, the foundation, led by Ananchai and vice president Dr. Prayuth Prathetsena, held a press conference to address issues surrounding the land donation for the temple's construction and the abbot's role. Dr. Prayuth explained that when land is dedicated for a temple, it automatically becomes Buddhist property from the dedication date. This remains true even if the land title has not yet been updated. In the case of Wat Pa Adulyaram, documents indicate Mr. Ta Hiang's intention to donate the land, witnessed by the Khon Kaen District Chief and a land official.
Once a temple is officially established, the responsibility to update the land title deed to reflect the temple's ownership falls to the landowner or their heirs. This update does not revert ownership to the heirs. The foundation is urging the Department of Land and the Khon Kaen Province Governor to take legal action, providing documents such as ministerial regulations and Supreme Court rulings.
Dr. Prayuth further elaborated on the distinction between "temple construction" and "temple establishment." Establishing a temple involves constructing buildings to certain criteria and nominating a monk to serve as the abbot. Reviewing the process involves examining documents from the temple's construction and establishment stages, including the nomination of the administrator and appointment of the abbot, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Ananchai reiterated that upon Mr. Hiang's donation, the land became Buddhist property and state-owned from that date. The heirs must facilitate the title transfer but have no rights to the land. He urged Aunt Da and Grandpa Hiang's heirs to expedite this transfer and called on local authorities to remain neutral, acting according to laws and Supreme Court rulings. Successful resolution could potentially serve as a model for similar cases nationwide.
Ananchai also highlighted ongoing legal proceedings at the Khon Kaen Police Station, concerning the temple's closure and alleged false land title reports. He encouraged all involved parties to engage with the legal process and urged those in conflict with the abbot to apologize within the set deadline or face further action.
At the press conference's conclusion, Ananchai humorously displayed three rings, quipping to reporters, "I'm not Thanos." Attendees showed support by presenting flowers to the legal team, underscoring public backing for the foundation's efforts in managing the dispute.