Monks prohibited from participating in political protests

Monks and novices are banned from joining political protests and urgent notifications have been sent to temples advising them that monks could be expelled for participating. As the pro-democracy movement continues, some monks have already been seen at rallies calling on government and monarchy reformation as well as a rewrite of the 2017 Constitution.

The National Office of Buddhism director Narong Song-ar-rom says the Sangha Supreme Council has issued urgent letters to temples all over Thailand stating that monks and novices are barred from participating in political protests.

Some Buddhist monks have already been seen at protests, drawing public attention. At a protest at the Sukhumvit-Asoke intersection last month, a monk stood out in the crowd. He was dressed in the traditional, bright orange robes and sitting on a chair in the middle of crowd. Hundreds of people were sitting on…