In 1991, when Thailand was under a military dictatorship, the Thai
military threatened Phra Prachak Khuttacitto, a Buddhist monk who
was campaigning to preserve a large rain forest, Pah9
Dongyai, in
Buriram from further destruction. He was arrested and thrown in jail.
It was the first time in the history of Thai Buddhism that a monk in
robes was jailed by the authorities.10 Although Phra Prachak was later
released, he had to defend himself in court and was left in a position in
which he could hardly resume his work