The row was triggered during a debate of the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA).

Chirmsak Pinthong, chairman of the CDA panel on public hearings, alleged that the group had attempted to pressure the drafters to approve Buddhism as the national religion in the new charter.

He said the group had sent supporters, including monks, to cause trouble in the hearings he organised.

"They only came to raise their hands to support the Buddhism issue and left when the sessions switched to other issues," Chirmsak said.

CDA member Sawet Thinnakul protested against Chirmsak's "one-sided" allegation. He said Chirmsak should show evidence to back his allegation and only then could the wrongdoers be prosecuted. Chirmsak insisted his claim was true and that he had financial evidence of temples being paid Bt5,000 to hire trouble-makers.

"I'm not kidding. You [Sawet] should be careful [about your motive] too," Chirmsak warned. Some monks had threatened former House members that they would withdraw their support in the next election campaign if Buddhism was not stated as the national religion in the charter, Chirmsak said. Sawet lambasted the CDA chairman for letting Chirmsak "intimidate" him in front of the drafters.

He said that the CDA had a "gangster" sitting as a member.

Meanwhile, CDA member Pichian Amnajworaprasert said he had no hidden agenda for supporting Buddhism as the state religion.

"If the drafters finally do not support the issue, I will accept the result," he added.

Some other drafters were reportedly furious about Chirmsak's allegation.