Misbehaving monks are expected to face stiffer punishment when a bill on Buddhism support and protection comes into force.
The disgraced Luang Pu Nen Kham, 35, is seen in a file photo with a woman (obscured). He faces charges including money laundering, having sex with a minor and child abduction.
According to the bill, monks who breach the Buddhist doctrine, including having sex or damaging the reputation of the religion could face one to seven years in prison, or a fine of between 2,000 baht and 10,000 baht, or both.
Accomplices in monks' misconduct could also face the same level of punishment; for example, women who have sex with monks will be liable for criminal charges.
Anyone who distorts Buddhist principles stated in the Tripitaka could be jailed from one to seven years.
Novices or monks who possess obscene materials risk being jailed for up to one month and those who consume alcohol or narcotics or gamble would face up to one month in prison or a fine, or both.
The severity of punishment would triple from that applied to ordinary people.
Monks with the authority to enforce Sangha rules could face up to one month in prison if they are negligent in monitoring other monks, which subsequently causes damage to the religion.
The bill empowers the prime minister to devise ministerial regulations and announcements to support and protect Buddhism.
A committee, headed by the prime minister or a minister assigned by the premier, will support the Sangha administration.
The panel consists of three monk representatives from the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, the rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, the rector of Mahamakut Buddhist University, the national police chief, director-general of the Public Relations Department, 40 representatives from the National Office of Buddhism and other Buddhism-related bodies, and the attorney-general.
The other members are the permanent secretaries for the Office of the Prime Minister, foreign affairs, social development and human security, interior, justice, culture, finance, education and science and technology.
The committee will set up a panel to take care of the funds allocated to temples for their internal operations and to handle public donations given to the temples. The panel will be chaired by a deputy premier.