Power Struggles and Leadership Shifts in the Walking Journey of Thích Minh Tuệ and Đoàn Văn Báu
In recent months, the walking pilgrimage of Thích Minh Tuệ, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, has captured widespread public attention. Originally conceived as a spiritual journey to India, the pilgrimage has evolved into a complex saga involving power struggles, government scrutiny, and media spectacle. What began as a personal pursuit of asceticism has now drawn followers, volunteers, YouTubers, and even diplomatic attention from multiple countries.
At the heart of this unfolding drama is Đoàn Văn Báu, a former Vietnamese security officer who initially took on the role of logistics coordinator and legal advisor for the group. While his organizational skills were crucial in securing visas and negotiating with authorities, his tight control over group affairs led to internal tensions. His departure on 4/2 seemed to signal a shift in leadership, yet his sudden return on 8/2 reignited debates over who truly leads this journey.
This article examines the latest conversation between Thích Minh Tuệ and Đoàn Văn Báu, shedding light on the ongoing power struggle, shifting dynamics within the group, and the broader implications of their conflict. As their pilgrimage continues under the watchful eyes of governments, supporters, and critics alike, the question remains: Is this still a spiritual journey, or has it become a battle for control?
Who Are Thích Minh Tuệ and Đoàn Văn Báu?
Thích Minh Tuệ: The Walking Monk
Thích Minh Tuệ is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk known for his ascetic lifestyle and commitment to a walking pilgrimage. His journey began in Vietnam and later extended to Laos and Thailand, with the ultimate goal of reaching India, the land of the Buddha. Unlike many modern Buddhist monks, he practices a strict form of alms-seeking (khất thực), relying solely on food offerings from laypeople and rejecting material comforts.
His pilgrimage, originally a personal act of devotion, has gained massive public attention. As his following grew, so did the challenges—not only from authorities monitoring his movements, but also from volunteers, YouTubers, and internal power struggles within his group. Despite external pressures, Thích Minh Tuệ remains detached from worldly concerns, often stating that whether he is welcomed or persecuted, he considers it the same.
Đoàn Văn Báu: The Controversial Organizer
In contrast, Đoàn Văn Báu, a former Vietnamese security officer, plays a more practical role in the pilgrimage. He was instrumental in organizing logistics, handling visas, and negotiating legal matters with authorities. His involvement made the journey more structured and legally viable, but also led to questions about his influence and true intentions.
Initially acting as the de facto leader, Đoàn Văn Báu managed permits, travel documents, and coordination with embassies. However, his tight control over administrative matters, particularly regarding passports and the group’s interactions with external entities, led to internal distrust. Some monks questioned whether he was truly serving their mission or exerting undue control.
A Journey Turned Political and Controversial
What started as a spiritual pilgrimage has transformed into a widely debated event involving multiple factions:
Monastic ideals: Traditional monks like Thích Minh Tuệ emphasize detachment, asceticism, and spiritual discipline.
Practical governance: Figures like Đoàn Văn Báu focus on logistics, government relations, and media management.
External influences: Governments, YouTubers, and online communities have amplified the group’s internal tensions.
These tensions escalated when Đoàn Văn Báu announced his departure from the group on 4/2. Many saw this as an opportunity for Thích Minh Tuệ to fully reclaim spiritual leadership. However, Đoàn Văn Báu unexpectedly returned on 8/2, sparking new debates over leadership and the group’s future.
Analysis of the Latest Conversation: Shifting Power Dynamics and Leadership Struggles
The latest conversation between Thích Minh Tuệ and Đoàn Văn Báu, recorded on February 8, 2025, provides a revealing look into the power struggle within the walking group. As Báu attempts to reintegrate after his departure on February 4, the discussion exposes tensions over leadership, control, and the future of the pilgrimage.
1. Đoàn Văn Báu’s Attempt to Reassert Influence
Báu’s return to the group is not simply an apology but a strategic maneuver. After leaving voluntarily, his sudden reappearance suggests that he still sees himself as an indispensable figure in the pilgrimage. His statements reflect an effort to:
Portray his departure as temporary rather than a resignation from leadership.
Position himself as a problem-solver, emphasizing the group’s logistical and legal challenges.
Invoke his past contributions to argue that his presence is necessary for the journey’s success.
Despite acknowledging some mistakes, Báu does not relinquish control. Instead, he frames his return as an opportunity to “restore order,” implying that the group has struggled in his absence.
2. Thích Minh Tuệ’s Cautious Response
Unlike previous discussions where Báu dominated conversations, Thích Minh Tuệ is more reserved and strategic in this exchange. His response suggests that he:
Listens without immediately welcoming Báu back, signaling a shift in power.
Avoids directly challenging Báu, but also refrains from offering him an official role.
Emphasizes the collective decision-making process, implying that Báu’s future in the group is not solely his decision to make.
This shift indicates that Minh Tuệ is no longer passive in leadership matters. While still focused on his spiritual practice, he is aware of the political undercurrents and seeks to prevent Báu from regaining full control.
3. The Question of Authority: Who Really Leads the Group?
A central issue in this conversation is the lack of clear leadership. The exchange highlights that there is no single authority figure, but rather competing factions:
Báu’s camp, which consists of individuals who believe that his logistical expertise and government connections are crucial.
The monastic camp, led by monks who want to decrease Báu’s influence and reinforce spiritual authority.
The neutral faction, including supporters and volunteers who are more concerned with the journey’s continuity rather than personal rivalries.
This lack of clarity has led to decision-making by consensus, but it also leaves the group vulnerable to continued internal disputes.
4. Control Over Passports and Travel Documents
One of the most contentious issues raised in the conversation is who holds the group’s legal documents. In previous disputes, Báu was accused of withholding passports, effectively controlling who could travel. In this conversation:
Báu insists that he is handling documents responsibly.
Some monks express concerns about whether they actually possess their own passports.
Minh Tuệ remains neutral but concerned, indicating that he does not have full oversight over legal matters.
This issue underscores the power imbalance that still exists, even after Báu’s temporary departure. As long as he controls access to legal travel, he retains a lever of authority over the group.
5. The Influence of External Factors: Government and Public Scrutiny
Báu repeatedly references Thai and Vietnamese government oversight, using it as leverage. He implies that:
Without his diplomatic connections, the group risks being forcibly disbanded.
Authorities are closely watching their movements, reinforcing the idea that the group must be careful.
The increasing number of monks joining has made Thai officials uneasy.
By emphasizing external pressure, Báu presents himself as a necessary intermediary, reinforcing his argument for why he should remain involved.
6. The Role of YouTubers and Public Attention
The discussion also touches on the impact of media coverage and YouTubers. While the journey started as a private pilgrimage, it has become a media-driven event with livestreams and viral content influencing public perception.
Báu acknowledges that YouTubers have added chaos to the group but does not fully denounce their presence.
Some monks argue that excessive filming disrupts their spiritual focus.
Minh Tuệ maintains a neutral stance, reflecting his non-attachment to external distractions.
Despite differing opinions, it is clear that social media has shaped the trajectory of this journey, adding another layer of complexity to the leadership struggle.
Future Uncertainty: What Happens Next?
By the end of the conversation, no definitive resolution is reached. However, a few conclusions can be drawn:
Báu remains a key player, even if he is no longer the official leader.
Minh Tuệ is asserting himself more than before, though he still avoids outright confrontation.
The group is still divided, making future conflicts likely.
External pressures from authorities, media, and public attention will continue to influence decision-making.
This latest conversation confirms that the power struggle within the group is far from over. While Báu has returned, his role is no longer unquestioned. Minh Tuệ, while still prioritizing his spiritual mission, is beginning to navigate leadership more actively. The coming days will determine whether Báu can reclaim his influence or if a new structure of authority will emerge within the walking group.
With the pilgrimage still ongoing, the key question remains: Will this journey remain a spiritual endeavor, or will internal politics and external pressures dictate its fate?