Monks at Wat Sothon in Chachoengsao yesterday announced their halt to a planned campaign to continue protesting the appointment of an outsider to be their abbot.
At a press conference at the temple, a group of 200 monks and novices made one exception - protests may be organised in the future in response to any "injustice" and "nontransparent management" of the temple by the Phra Phiphit Kijjaphiwat, the new abbot.
Phra Khru Sophon Sorrakij, who campaigned against the new abbot, made an apology to the public, for "inappropriate expression" of the protesting on Wednesday in a large demonstration at the temple compound. He also apologised to the Sangha Supreme Council, for endorsing a proposed appointment of an outsider. The protesting monks had wanted the new abbot to be appointed from nine deputies.
"We have accepted the Council's decision, though bitterly. We would also congratulate the new abbot for his new position. We are ready to follow whatever orders are just," said the monk.
He also dismissed a report that Phra Pariyat Kijwitharn, the most qualified deputy among all nine, had resigned from his post. "It's just a rumour leaked by people with ills against him," he said, without explaning.