Ong-art Dhammanitta, a spokesman for Wat Phra Dhammakaya, denies forest encroachment by the World Peace Valley meditation centre in June. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)NAKHON RATCHASIMA - An arrest warrant has been issued for Phra Dhammajayo, abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, by Sikhiu Provincial Court for alleged forest encroachment by a large meditation centre owned by the temple. The arrest warrant was requested by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division. Despite the warrants, authorities have been unable to arrest Phra Dhammajayo, who has repeatedly cited illness or temple business for being unable to answer a summons to hear charges. His followers blocked an attempt by the Department of Special Investigation to arrest him at Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani, on Bangkok's outskirts.

Source: Bangkok Post November 18, 2016 06:19 UTC