“The prime minister is merely in charge of presenting the nomination for Royal endorsement,” deputy director Kanok Sanprasert said.

Several figures and organisations have come forward to oppose the council’s resolution nominating Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamang-alacharn, also known as Somdej Chuang, as the new monastic head.

For now, Somdej Chuang, the 80-year-old abbot of Pak Nam Temple, Somdej Chuang, remains the acting supreme patriarch.

His opponents have made several allegations against him, including one involving an antique luxury car in his possession. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is looking into whether the Mercedes-Benz was imported without payment of proper taxes. Somdej Chuang has assigned one of his temple’s attendants, Damkerng Jindarha, to testify before the DSI on his behalf.

Pol Colonel Paisit Wongmuang, director-general of the DSI, said his department was urgently gathering evidence to answer questions on the car controversy that had become a matter of public concern.

Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya said the case was sensitive, but that it was best to clear up any lingering doubts.