“We have found a link between the Dhamma Research for Environment Foundation, which is the licensee and operator of the DMC channel, and Dhammaka Temple in encouraging its viewers to gather at the Pathum Thani-based Dhammakaya Temple for merit-making activities,” Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC’s Broadcasting Committee, said yesterday.

His panel’s decision was based on allegations that the station had breached Section 37 of the Broadcasting and Television Business Operations Act of 2008 and the National Council for Peace and Order’s announcements Nos 97 and 103.

This potentially leads to creating conflicts between Thais as well as risking national security.

He also said that Dhammakaya Temple spokesman Ongart Thamnita had made an announcement against the authorities via DMC.

“His behaviour threatened national security,” Natee said.

Early this month, the NBTC agreed to suspend the operations of DMC for 30 days, starting on December 6, in response to a DSI request.

At that time, the DSI pointed out that DMC had been used to mobilise people to the temple and disrupt the operations to bring the temple’s then-abbot Phra Dhammachayo to justice.

Phra Dhammachayo has an arrest warrant out for him on charges of money laundering in connection with the embezzlement of huge sums at the Klongchan Credit Union.

The arrest warrant was issued because the monk has never answered the DSI’s summons, claiming poor health.

As authorities have piled pressure on Dhammakaya Temple to stop shielding Phra Dhammachayo from the arm of law, the temple has named a new abbot.

About 17 days ago, Phra Witesphawanajahn became the temple’s acting abbot. Phra Dhammachayo has become temple’s honorary abbot.

Phra Witesphawanajahn yesterday turned himself in Klong Luang Police Station to face 13 charges against him, including having sheltered Phra Dhammachayo, now a fugitive.

Accompanied by his attorney, Phra Witesphawanajahn was released on bail.

Deputy national police chief Pol General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul yesterday sought a meeting with the director-general of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning to consult him on Dhammakaya Temple’s alleged violations of building and town-planning codes.

Some structures at the temple have been erected without proper permits.

The DSI and police have insisted that Dhammakaya Temple has committed many offences.

Meanwhile, a source said some National Legislative Assembly members plan to push for a crucial amendment to the Sangha Act.

Thailand’s top ecclesiastical post has been vacant since Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Sangharaja passed away in 2013.

The Sangha Supreme Council (SSC) has tried to put its senior member, Somdet Chuang or Somdet Phra Maha Ratcha Mangkhlachan, in the post but to no avail.

Even after the SSC officially nominated the elderly monk early this year, Somdet Chuang has not been able to officially take up the post, He is serving as acting Supreme Patriarch.

“Some NLA members plan to amend the Sangha Act in a way that prescribes the King as holding the power to appoint the Supreme Patriarch.

“They want to remove the current legal stipulations about the Supreme Patriarchsenior member of monastic chief,” the source said.

Many NLA members came up with the plan early this month to push for this amendment.

“But they have tried to be as quiet as possible,” the source said.

About 25 NLA members will propose to the amendment to the NLA, which will then notify the Cabinet.

“This process will take about 30 days. The Cabinet can decide whether to propose another version of the proposed amendment for the NLA’s deliberation,” the source said.

The NLA members expect the NLA to fast track this proposed amendment once the bill is tabled, the source added.