Normalcy returns to controversial temple

BANGKOK, March 11 (TNA) -- Normalcy including cell phone and internet signals return to controversial Buddhist temple near Bangkok on Friday after combined government forces ended their 23-day marathon standoff without finding a fugitive former abbot of the temple, officials said. However, officials of Wat Dhammakaya in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Pathum Thani are imposing strict screening on those entering or leaving the temple, officials said. Police and army personnel have for the first time allowed followers of the temple to enter the temple after the government has imposed Article 44 under the interim constitution on the temple while many of them have decided to return home in upcountry, they said. The situation around the temple has returned to normal after the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) ended the search of wanted Phra Dhammachayo on Friday. Influential Phra Dhammachayo, 72, is wanted by authorities on numerous charges including money laundering and building on land without authorisation. His whereabouts are still unknown presently. DSI called off the standoff on Friday after thorough searching for Phra Dhammachayo inside at some key buildings of the temple met with futile. DSI chief Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang said during a press conference Friday that police would man every gate of the temple to prevent undesirable incident from occurring in future after the search ended. Article 44 of the interim constitution will remain at the temple for the time being while police will continue hunting for Phra Dhammachayo who is reportedly sick at present, Pol Col Paisit said. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha used the all-powerful Article 44 of the interim charter to declare the 2,300 rai of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, and nearby areas, a "specially controlled area" for "effective law enforcement." (TNA)