Thai Authorities Urged to Clamp Down on Buddha’s “Son” Cult
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In a gripping turn of events, former Democrat MP Tankhun Jitt-itsara has urged Thai authorities to take firmer action against a controversial cult centred around a nine-year-old boy claiming to be the son of Buddha. This appeal comes in response to the reappearance of online images depicting the young leader being revered by his followers.
Tankhun, leading the charge as chairman of the Santi Pracha Dhamma Club, approached the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) with incriminating evidence on Monday. Amongst his submissions is a striking image of adult adherents bowing before the young boy during a recent religious ceremony, a practice which many believe borders on exploitation.
A key aspect of Tankhun’s campaign arises from an earlier directive by the Juvenile and Family Court. On 28th August, the court issued a prohibition on the dissemination of images and videos of the boy’s spiritual undertakings across all media platforms. Alarmingly, disregard for this court order continues as these broadcasts have reappeared, potentially flouting legal restrictions.
Tankhun’s effort does not stop at addressing the cult’s immediate activities. He has also called for a probe into the role of a prominent actress who publicly supported the group on Facebook on 7th March. Her posts, which seem to lend credibility to the boy’s controversial claims, may constitute complicity, as per Section 86 of the Criminal Code. Additionally, there are concerns regarding potential violations of children’s rights.
In a bid to broaden the crackdown, Tankhun has forwarded his concerns and evidence to Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, as well as the National Office of Buddhism (NOB).
An earlier ruling by a court in Surat Thani had placed restrictions on the boy’s activities, mandating his parents to cease allowing him to preach and to seek psychiatric evaluation for the child, whom they allege possesses telepathic abilities.
The ongoing saga highlights the tension between spiritual expression and child welfare, raising significant questions about the safeguarding of minors in religious contexts.
With the case attracting widespread attention, the baht (฿) equivalent of approximately THB 1,000,000 is expected to be scrutinised among aficionados of such cults, indicating the fiscal implications for followers financially investing in the group.
Content retrieved from: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354971-thai-authorities-urged-to-clamp-down-on-buddhas-son-cult/.
