The comment was made by Dhammakaya monk Phra Maha Tossaporn Poonnayangkalo, speaking to press at the temple’s gate.

The monk was speaking in the absence of the temple’s communication chief, Phra Sanitwong Chareonrattawong, who is under threat of arrest from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) after failing to respond to a summons.

The DSI has said that its officers are gathering evidence to file charges of incitement against people for allegedly spreading misinformation or distorted news on social media, including Phra Sanitwong.