Followers shielding monk from arrest cry over shortage of food

Thousands of followers of Buddhist Dhammakaya Temple who have blocked the Thai police from arresting him say they are running low on supplies.

They also lamented that they have been without water and power for several days.

The police who have placed a siege on the Temple have asked them to vacate the blockage they mounted on the premises, but they insist the security move is politically motivated.

The monk in question, Phra Dhammajayo is wanted for corruption, and has defied orders by security operatives to evacuate the premise.

According to reports, followers of the Dhammakaya Temple, based in the north of the capital Bangkok, held posters on Sunday calling for police to retreat while calling for international attention and assistance.

“We have cooperated with the government every step of the way but this is one step too far,” Phra Pasura Dantamano, a temple spokesman and senior monk, told Reuters News Agency.

Read also: Thai police storm Budhist temple in search of monk over money laundering

“We’re asking authorities to suspend the emergency law and lift their siege. Our supplies are low and we have been without power or water for three days.”

Reports say Thai police believe the spiritual leader is hiding inside the large compound.

Dhammajayo is accused of embezzling funds from the huge temple in Bangkok, but when officers attempted to search the site last June they were blocked by his supporters.

The 72-year-old abbot has remained inside the temple for months, saying he is too ill to face officials, and denies the allegations.

 

 

 

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