The Chair of the Religion Committee confirms there is no agenda to discipline the monk who was hit by a vehicle in Mukdahan province. A delegation is preparing to visit the injured monk. She criticizes those who distort facts and cause public confusion.
On 5 July 2026, Ms. Thiwalrat Angkinan, Member of Parliament for Phetchaburi from the Bhumjaithai Party and Chair of the House of Representatives' Religion, Arts, and Culture Committee, addressed reports claiming that the committee would conduct a disciplinary investigation into the monk injured in an accident in Mukdahan. She firmly denied these claims, stating that no such matter has ever been proposed or considered by the committee.
Ms. Thiwalrat said the circulated news has caused misunderstandings about the committee’s roles and responsibilities, leading to confusion among the monkhood and the public. She emphasized that the committee’s mission focuses on promoting, protecting, and preserving Buddhism, arts, and national culture, rather than conducting criminal or disciplinary investigations of monks, which fall under the jurisdiction of relevant legal authorities and the monastic order.
Regarding the committee’s authority, it operates under the House of Representatives Meeting Regulations B.E. 2562 (2019), Section 90 (30), which assigns it to study, research, verify facts, or examine matters related to the patronage, preservation, and protection of religion, as well as the conservation of historic sites and the promotion of arts and culture. It has no power to investigate criminal cases or impose disciplinary actions against monks.
"Presenting inaccurate information not only misleads the public but can also harm the reputation of the committee and affect the sentiments of the monkhood, which is detrimental to society. Therefore, I urge everyone to verify information from official sources before disseminating it to avoid unnecessary confusion or division," she said. Ms. Thiwalrat said.
The Chair further stated that the committee plans to attend the funeral rites of the monk who passed away in the accident and visit the injured monk to express condolences, offer encouragement, and appropriately gather facts on site. This fulfills the committee’s role in promoting and protecting Buddhism and boosting morale among the monkhood and Buddhist followers.
Ms. Thiwalrat emphasized that the committee remains committed to working with fairness, transparency, and respect for legal principles and monastic discipline. It aims to act as a bridge fostering understanding between the government, the monkhood, and the public to jointly preserve Buddhism, arts, and national culture on the basis of correctness, unity, and societal trust.