Religious Panel Denies Investigating Monk Hit By Vehicle
A parliamentary committee chair denied reports that her panel would investigate a monk hit by a vehicle in Mukdahan, clarifying the committee lacks authority to handle criminal cases or monk disciplinary matters.
On July 5, 2025, Nangthiwalrat Angkinandton, a Phetchaburi MP from the Bhumjaithai Party and chair of Parliament's Religion, Arts and Culture Committee, clarified that reports suggesting the committee would investigate a monk injured in a hit-and-run accident in Mukdahan province are false. She firmly stated that no such matter has ever been brought before the committee for consideration.
Angkinandton said the misleading reports have created confusion about the committee's mandate and authority, causing misunderstanding among the monastic order and the public. The committee's actual duties are to promote, protect and preserve Buddhism, arts and culture, not to handle criminal cases or conduct disciplinary investigations into monks—responsibilities that belong to relevant government agencies and the monastic order itself.
According to the 2019 parliamentary regulations, the committee's authority is limited to research, fact-finding, and examination of matters related to safeguarding religion, preserving historic sites, and promoting arts and culture. It has no power to investigate criminal cases or discipline monks.
Angkinandton urged all parties to verify information from official sources before publishing to avoid unnecessary confusion and division. She noted the committee plans to attend chanting services for the deceased monk and visit injured monks to offer condolences—actions consistent with its role in supporting Buddhism and strengthening the clergy.
The committee remains committed to working fairly, transparently and in accordance with law and monastic discipline, serving as a bridge between the state, clergy and public to preserve Buddhism, arts and culture on the basis of correctness, unity and societal trust.
