Dhamma Media Channel
 

I have just found another Thai TV channel that can be received in the UK and the rest of Europe.
It is called DMC and broadcasts 24 hours a day and is concerned with Buddhism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMC.TV

This channel is run by the Dhammakaya order which is a cult unrecognized by the official Sangha, or Buddhism order in Thailand. An order which i have been looking at for the past ten years.

Dhammakaya has been the defendant on numerous lawsuits regarding embezzlement, non-payment of tax and land-encroachment etc... Dhammakaya is a cult which teaches its followers that if it weren't for the intervention of Dhammakaya monks and nuns during the Second World War, the US would have nucleared bombed Bangkok etc...

Former Abbot Dhammajayo in the late 90s escaped charges of embezzlement of billions of baht. Dhammakaya in Pathumthani is the only temple in Thailand where monks sleep in air-conditioned rooms, have lifts and visitors need to pass stringent security before being allowed entry. Dhammakaya is involved in politics and has been for many many years. During the Thaksin Shinawatra era as PM, Thaksin often used their 'spaceship' as a ground for propaganda. Dhammakaya was, however, used as a political base well before the advent of Thaksin, and that includes the Democrats etc...

Dhammakaya is a dangerous well-financed cult. See for example, a former article to The Nation by devotee of Dhammakaya, which was in fact a response to my own critical analysis of Dhammakaya just previous to that.

http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/lofi...hp/t90396.html

And a little bit more at: http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bang...ad.php?p=10397

This cult have branches in the UK and have recently opened a new "wat" at Stockport, Cheshire (transferred from Salford, Manchester). - 5 minutes from my UK office
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They have come up in the world a bit then, not that I'm in any way saying anything at all negative about Salford.

The channel certainly has a bit of a cultish feel. I felt a bit creeped out watching it.

The "space ship" temple is in Rangsit. Passed by couple of times. I was told students from around the country are brought by the bus load to visit the temple... something like a school excursion from time to time. Many big events are held in the temple. If I'm not wrong, it is often patronised by some of the super hi-so.