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Published on October 6, 2007

Painted by Anupong Chantorn, the picture features two crow-beaked, tattooed monks digging their hands into a bowl.

While the protesting monks and laymen have strongly criticised the picture, Silapakorn University has stood by its decision to honour the work and include it in the exhibition until March 29 next year.

"We want the Education Ministry - which oversees Silapakorn University - to take action," said Phra Mahashow Tassaneeyo from Mahachulalongkornrajavidayala University.

The protesters yesterday said the picture should be removed from the exhibition and banned from display.

Assistant Professor Sathian Wiphromha, who joined the protest, said he would also submit similar demands to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont next week.

"We will also lodge a complaint with police against the president of Silapakorn University, judges on the panel that granted an award to this picture, and other relevant people including Anupong," Sathian said.

He said an insult to the religion warranted both a jail term and a fine.

Education Ministry deputy permanent secretary Boonrat Wongyai met the protesters yesterday and promised to relay their demands to Education Minister Wijit Srisa-an.

Meanwhile, Silapakorn University is preparing to distribute booklets compiling comments by respected scholars and senior monks on the controversial picture.

"I personally want the protesters to read this booklet before taking any further move," said Yanawit Kunchaethong, an acting president of the university.

Anupong said the picture was based on a part of the "Tipitaka". This explained the characteristics of bad monks, he added.

The Nation