E/CN.4/1992/52
page 84
On 20 March 1991, the authorities of Ratchaburi province ordered the
closure of all Jinnabuddho Memorial Foundation property despite the fact that
the Governor and the Рак Tho District Officer had not completed the process of
auditing, stating that 'All persons living in the area of Hooppha Sawan must
leave the location within three days from the date of this notification'. It
has further been reported that on 28 March 1991 local policemen used firearms
to intimidate and threaten the occupants and tore the robes of a number of
monks, subsequently sealing off the area. Such action reportedly resulted in
the death of one resident, Mr. Sahas Inthasiri, who had already been ill and
who died of shock on 29 March 1991, when reinforced local police units came to
evict the occupants. It has also been reported that the persons evicted from
the Hooppha Sawan Religious Land who are currently practising religious
activity at the Samnak Poo Sawan (the House of Divine Sages) in Bangkok have
been threatened with eviction from this location as well.
Situation of the Unification Church
According to the information received, the Crime Suppression Division of
the Ministry of the Interior has issued warrants for the arrest of 12 leading
members of the Unification Church which is represented by the Unification
Culture Foundation in Thailand. Warrants were reportedly also issued for the
arrest of the Reverend and Mrs. Moon, should they come to the country, although
they have not been accused of any violation of the law. It has been alleged
that all Unification Church centres throughout the country have been raided
and that documents, books and equipment have been seized indiscriminately.
According to the sources, bail has repeatedly been denied for the persons who
have already been imprisoned on the grounds that the movement they represent
is a 'dangerous threat to the national security', although no formal charges
have been brought against them."
70. On 6 December 1991, the Government of Thailand sent the following reply
to the Special Rapporteur's communication:
"I.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND TOLERANCE
1.
One of the most recognized virtues of the Thai people is the high
degree of tolerance, appreciation and respect they have for different
cultures, traditions and religious beliefs.
2.
While a majority of the Thais uphold the Buddhist faith, other
religions such as Christianity, Islam, Brahminism and Hinduism, to mention a
few, have flourished in Thailand and form part of the religious heritage of
Thai society. In fact, all religions upheld in the Kingdom are under royal
patronage.
3.
Successive constitutions of the Kingdom have guaranteed the right
and freedom of people to choose their own religion, to practise their
religious beliefs and to congregate and perform religious rites, provided that
such activities do not violate the laws of the Kingdom.