Buddhist extremism in Thailand fits neatly into junta’s plans

Thai Buddhist monks pray at Wat Dhammakaya. Pic: AP.

Controversial Buddhist monk Wirathu, who is accused of instigating sectarian violence between Buddhists and Muslims through his sermons in Myanmar. Pic: AP.

by Alistair Denness-1st December 2015

BESET by a painful economic downturn, clouded by political uncertainties and plagued by numerous human rights abuses attributed to the ruling junta, Thailand’s rulers are throwing a spanner in the media narrative by launching a controversial campaign to establish Buddhism as the country’s official religion.
Buddhist Extremism in Thailand Fits Neatly Into Junta’s Plans by Thavam Ratna