Special Report - Ministry of Justice Joins Forces to Open Doors to Good Governance

On Friday, January 23, 2026, Pongsawat Nilayothin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, presided over the opening ceremony of the "Knowledge Meets Temples: Opening Doors to Good Governance" event. The activity was part of a project to disseminate legal knowledge, aimed at strengthening temple governance and management, dedicated as a royal tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. During the special lecture, Pongsawat emphasized that under the Sangha Act, temples are considered legal entities capable of owning property, leasing, and being subject to legal actions. Abbots and temple administrators are also considered official entities under the law. Therefore, managing temples requires more than just adhering to religious principles. The Ministry of Justice can support temple management through its 10 departments, offering legal assistance in various dimensions. This includes scientific evidence verification through the Forensic Science Institute, debt mediation through the Department of Enforcement, and legal protection and conflict resolution services. "Moreover, the Ministry of Justice can help by providing legal knowledge," Pongsawat stated. Provincial justice offices and the Office of Justice Affairs are crucial in linking dharma (religious principles) with legal understanding to ensure proper temple management. The event was designed to be a platform for sharing legal knowledge related to temple management, exchanging perspectives, and raising awareness about good governance principles.