Political sculptures removed from temple

Political sculptures removed from temple

BANGKOK (AP): Limestone sculptures of leading Thai politicians
have been removed from a Buddhist temple in Bangkok after
complaints from supporters of some of the politicians, the
temple's abbot said on Tuesday.

"For the sake of the temple's peace, I ordered the removal of
the three figures. We as Buddhist monks do not wish to be at the
center of political arguments," Phra Sophon Dharmmawongse, the
abbot of Wat In temple, said.

He said his temple had been flooded with anonymous telephone
calls complaining that it was improper to allow the sculptures on
the temple grounds.

The figures at Wat In depict Thai Interior Minister Sanan
Kachornprasart riding on the shoulders of former Prime Minister
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. In another sculpture, Prime Minister Chuan
Leekpai wears an ancient soldier's uniform and holds a sword and
pike.