January 4, 2005

Violence doesn't spare even peace-loving Buddhist monks

WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

Pattani _ Violence in the deep South intensified over the past year,

with even the clergy not being spared.

Southern militants slaughtered three monks and a novice, resulting in a

sharp decrease of visitors to Pattani's most famous temple, Wat Chang

Hai in Khok Pho district where the highly revered monk, the late Luang

Phor Thuad had resided.

The subdued atmosphere at Wat Chang Hai _ which was once crowded with

Buddhists and tourists from all regions of Thailand and even

neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore _ reflected similar problems at

other Buddhist temples in Muslim-majority Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat

provinces.

Phra Khru Pariyatkijsophon, the abbot of Wat Chang Hai, said there has

always been violence in this southern province over the past several

decades, but last year's was more serious than ever because state

officers were killed daily and even Buddhist monks fell victim to

southern instigators.

Fear of violence was the main factor in the sharp decline in visitors

to Wat Chang Hai for merit-making; many were worried about their safety

after the stairsway of a chedi in the temple compound was bombed last

year, the monk said.

``Before the daily killings, many tourists came to the temple to pay

respects. But since ordinary people and monks became the target of

attacks, the number of visitors dropped by nearly 80%.

``There used to be many visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, but there is

none now, not even on His Majesty the King's birthday [Dec 5], when the

temple's parking lot usually overflowed with vehicles bringing tourists

from Singapore and Malaysia. Fewer than 300 people visited the temple on

Dec 5 last year.

``I admit even local monks are scared. This is a pity, because monks

like us are never involved with politics. We have a duty to teach people

to be good persons and not have ill intentions against other religions.

``But some temples in Narathiwat now have no monks while some have to

bring monks from the Northeast and the Central Region. A number even

left the monkhood and much fewer men have entered the monkhood,'' Phra

Khru Pariyatkijsophon said.

He said cash donations to the temple had declined 70-80%, while

expenses were mounting, since the temple houses the main Dhamma and Pali

language school in the deep South, which is attended by 50 student

monks, while the weekend Dhamma classes are attended by some 400

laymen.

The situation in Khok Pho district has worsened because many more

Buddhists have migrated elsewhere, and this could create a lack of

Buddhist communities to support the temples here.

The people here were still in the dark as to who the southern

instigators were.

``The monks can only tell the villagers that we must be careful and

remain united, and not leave our homes after dark. Still, it's hard for

us because even the state has failed to ensure the people's safety. The

monks even have to walk in groups while on alms-receiving rounds,'' the

abbot said.

He said the media sometimes presented exaggerated news about the

situation, which only served to keep people away. He urged all parties

concerned to cooperate in problem-solving and pay more attention to the

safety of Buddhist monks.

The abbot admitted the monks and locals felt a little safer after

soldiers were stationed at the temple to provide security, although the

sight of men carrying guns in a temple seemed at odds with the Buddhist

message of peace and goodwill.