Officials Require Formal Complaints for Action
PUBLISHED: 18 Oct 2024 at 16:50
The government and House representatives are taking a measured approach to a sermon delivered by monk V. Vajiramedhi, which has drawn controversy due to its connection with The iCon Group—a firm facing allegations of operating a pyramid scheme resulting in financial losses for many.
Prime Minister Office’s Minister Chusak Sirinil and House committee member Sakuna Saranun emphasized on Friday that the National Office of Buddhism and the lower House panel will require formal complaints to proceed with any actions.
Both officials are affiliated with the ruling Pheu Thai Party and stressed the importance of a formal process following the online dissemination of the monk’s sermon, titled “The Secret to Being Rich.” The sermon included statements that suggested rapid wealth accumulation, stating, “If you can do that, you are The iCon.”
In response, the 51-year-old monk distanced himself from the controversial firm, asserting that his teachings were rooted in dhamma principles, which emphasize that success is a product of diligent learning.
The iCon Group executives previously visited the Cherntawan Meditation Centre in Chiang Rai, inviting the monk to deliver his sermon on March 12.
