The Royal Gazette announced the appointment of the National Buddhism Protection Committee, with Prof. Thongthong as chairman of the committee.
On 2 February 2026, the Royal Gazette website published the Prime Minister's order concerning "the appointment of the chairman and expert members of the National Buddhism Protection Committee." It stated that the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand sets a state policy for the government to patronize and protect Buddhism and other religions, especially Buddhism, which is the faith of the majority of Thai people continuously for a long time. Given the tendency for distortion of Buddhist teachings and undermining Buddhism in various forms, which threaten national security, society, morality, ethics, and affect the public,
the Prime Minister's Office Regulation on the Protection of Buddhism B.E. 2568 (2025) was established, creating the National Buddhism Protection Committee as a national-level committee to effectively protect Buddhism in line with state and government policies.
Under the authority of Sections 5 (1) and (3) of the Prime Minister's Office Regulation on the Protection of Buddhism B.E. 2568, the Prime Minister, with the Supreme Patriarch's consent and the approval of the Sangha Supreme Council, appointed the chairman and expert members of the National Buddhism Protection Committee as follows:
1. Prof. Emeritus Thongthong Chandransu, Chairman
2. Khunying Kasama Worawan Na Ayudhya, expert in education and human potential, member
3. Assistant Professor Praphot Asawavirulhakarn, expert in Buddhist studies, member
4. Mr. Poramet Wimonsiri, expert in finance, member
5. Mr. Somchai Pruttikan, expert in government coordination, member
6. Police Lieutenant General Attakrit Thareechat, expert in security and justice processes, member
7. Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, expert in asset management, member
This appointment is effective immediately, ordered on 31 January 2026.