The Natural-Resources and Environment Ministry yesterday backed down from its tough stance against Buddhist monasteries located in forest reserves - saying it would not evict 68 of them built after a leniency deadline 14 years ago. In a meeting with the Supreme Sangha Council, the ministry suggested a new idea: to have each of the 5,529 monasteries in forest reserves carry out conservation projects and sell tree seedlings to temple visitors.
Blanket approval was also given to monks who perform meditation treks in forests across the country. They need only to inform forest rangers about their paths in case they get lost or require emergency help.
Minister Suwit Khunkitti said he had come to realise monks could encourage villagers not to encroach on forests and boost their awareness about deforestation hazards even better than forestry officials and forest rangers.
The meeting proposed a new project: to build a Buddhist mega-site in a 10,000-rai area for Buddhist pilgrims worldwide to come to Thailand. No other details about this ambitious project were provided.
A number of abandoned monasteries may be used as forest ranger stations, but the meeting did not decide whether new monasteries should be allowed in forest reserves.
The Royal Forest Department welcomed Suwit's decision, saying that allowing monks to live in the forest was no different from allowing villagers to do so under special permission granted 11 years ago.
The ministry will conduct an aerial survey of all monasteries in Thailand and make a reference map for long-term use.
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