I REFER to the press briefing I gave on Nov 9 about the Royal Kathin held atWat Pikulthong, Tumpat, Kelantan, on Nov 11 and 12.

In respect of your report “Safe to visit south Thailand”, I would like to make the following clarification: During the briefing, I outlined the role and responsibilities of the Thai consul-gener - al in Kota Baru, which include, creating a better understanding among Malaysians about the situation in south Thai - land. By far, we have seen a decrease in the number of tragic i n c i d e n t s. However, the last statement in the report goes far beyond what I have said. Not once during the interview did I say: “We believe other members of the group are still hiding in Malaysia and we hope they will be arrested.” It is neither my authority nor my intention to act as one of the leading agencies in dealing with security matters. There are several bilateral frameworks as well as border cooperative mechanism that monitor these issues. With reference to the report “Tumpat temple to get Thai royal award”, I would like to point out that the Royal Kathin is not an “awa r d ” as indicated in the article. The Royal Kathin is the presentation of Kathin robes and Kathin offerings to monks at the end of the Buddhist Lent period. Secondly, the RM50,000 is just an approximate figure and not entirely from the royal d o n at i o n s. Buddhists from M a l ay s i a , Singapore and Thailand are expected to make additional donations, which could result in a lower or higher total than the amount projected. Finally, this Royal Kathin is the first in the history of Kelantan, not in Malaysia as repor ted. The Royal Kathin ceremonies have, in fact, been organised in other Buddhist temples in Malaysia before.

SURAPON PETCH-VRA, Thai Consul-general, Kota Bharu

Source: NST – November 13, 2008