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.