The Santi Asoke (Thai: สันติอโศก "Peaceful Ashoka") is an ascetic sect of Theravada Buddhism that was established by a former television entertainer and songwriter Phra Bodhirak after he "declared independence from the Ecclesiastical Council in 1975".
[1][2][3] He had originally ordained within a monastery recognized by the sangha, but left to form his new sect, which he sees as a mixture of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.
They desire to help people attain "peace without suffering" and lead society back to the basics of Buddhism devoid of superstition.
[1] The Santi Asoke movement advocate a strict vegetarian diet, consuming only one meal a day and abstaining from alcohol and sex.
As he still repeatedly contravened the doctrines, the community of Thai monks requested the Supreme Sangha Council (SSC) to look into the case.
Several inquisitorial panels were set up to investigate the monks' complaints and a decision was made that the SSC should exercise the authority under the Sangha Act, BE 2505 (1962), section 27, to defrock Phothirak.
Deputy Director General Phuangphinyo then filed a complaint before the Lat Phrao Metropolitan Police, and the warrants of arrest were issued for Phothirak and his 104 followers.