[Tlc] State Buddhism gaining momentum

[Michael Jerryson]

For those who have not seen this yet....

michael jerryson

Junta backs call for state religion
  
 By Wassana Nanuam and Mongkol BangprapaCNS chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, who is Muslim, said that recognising Buddhism as the national religion would have no impact on southern violence. "Whether or not the stipulation is added to the constitution, these thugs will continue their attacks," he said.
The head of the Council for National Security (CNS) yesterday agreed with a demand by Buddhist activists that Buddhism should be declared the national religion in the new charter. "We give priority to peace in the country," said Gen Sonthi Boonyarataklin. 
 
 "If a stipulation in the charter to this effect leads to peace in the country, then it is better that it is included. Those who say there is no need for such a stipulation don't take the issue that seriously." 
 
 He suggested a clause also be added requiring the government to "take care of other religions, including Christianity and Islam". 
 
 "I believe the Constitution Drafting Committee [CDC] will review its decision on this issue," Gen Sonthi said. 
 
 CNS spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the eight CNS members agreed unanimously that they would offer no opposition if the CDC stipulated in the 2007 constitution that Buddhism is the national religion. 
 
 However, the CNS would not intervene in the work of the CDC, Col Sansern said. 
 
 Addressing concerns that such a stipulation might be exploited by southern insurgents to justify their militant activities, Gen Sonthi said he believed the violence had nothing to do with religious differences. Recognising Buddhism as the national religion would not have any impact on southern violence. 
 
 "Whether or not the stipulation is added to the constitution, these thugs will continue their attacks," he said. 
 
 Col Sansern said the CNS also discussed the plan by PTV executives to organise another rally against the CNS and the government on Friday. The military was well prepared to handle the situation under its Pathaphi 149 plan, a security plan for rallies, and if necessary the CNS could declare a state of emergency, he said. The CNS had been informed about the rally plan in detail and would not fall into any traps the organisers might set up. 
 
 Gen Thongchai Kuasakul of the Buddhism Promotion Foundation said about 200,000 Buddhist followers would hold a two-day gathering in front of parliament beginning today, when the CDC is to hand copies of its draft constitution to 12 organisations as required by the 2006 interim charter. 
 
 He was speaking at a meeting of 300 representatives from Buddhist organisations nationwide, who want the CDC to make Buddhism the national religion. 
 
 Gen Thongchai asked the government not to prohibit the rally as it would be peaceful and was by no means a demonstration against the CNS or government. 
 
 Gen Thongchai said his foundation is lobbying CDC members and members of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA). To file a motion, it needs the support of at least 10 of the 35 CDC members and three-fifths of the 100 CDA members. 
 
 Poll Watch and the People's Network for Elections (PNet) are also demanding changes to the draft constitution. 
 
 Gen Saiyud Kerdphol, vice-chairman of Poll Watch and PNet chairman, said they want changes to four articles. 
 
 He said the stipulation on the appointment of a National Crisis Council should be removed, the method of selection of senators and MPs should be changed, and judges should not be entrusted with the political power to select members of independent bodies



Michael K. Jerryson
PhD. Candidate
Dept. Religious Studies,
University California-Santa Barbara
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