Abbot Luang Por Alongkot relinquishes position at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu
In a shocking turn of events, the former abbot of Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, Luang Por Alongkot, has found himself at the centre of a scandal involving embezzlement, misappropriation of donations, and questionable land deals. The controversies led to his resignation as abbot in August 2025.
The scandal began with allegations of misuse of donations by a spiritual medium associated with the temple. Seksan “Mor Bee” Sapsubbsakul, a medium who opened a donation account named Jaifa Arthornprachanat in 2019 for the temple’s AIDS charity, was found to have withdrawn many donations in cash rather than transferring them directly to the temple. Investigators discovered that withdrawals often exceeded the amounts handed over, raising public suspicion when Seksan bought a luxury home in 2021 with unclear funds.
Another key point of the scandal is the land purchase controversy. The temple allegedly bought over 760 acres of land using donations, but the land was registered under a private individual’s name, a relative of the temple’s deceased former manager, not under the temple or its foundation. Although this person is reportedly willing to transfer the land back, the public is concerned about improper use of donated money.
The investigations into these allegations have been ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to probe the case, including allegations of embezzlement and land fraud. On August 26, 2025, Thai police arrested Luang Por Alongkot and Seksan in connection with the alleged embezzlement of temple donations.
Luang Por Alongkot was widely respected for transforming Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu into a sanctuary for HIV/AIDS patients and orphans during the early crisis, earning national and international praise. However, the scandal threatens to undermine this humanitarian legacy.
As investigations proceed, the temple community and followers are awaiting resolution. Luang Por Alongkot has called for patience and urged trust in the process, asserting his innocence but acknowledging the seriousness of the claims.
In a separate development, reports emerged that the Metta Dharm (Compassionate) Building at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu was found in a dirty and disorganized state, with many donated items left to rot inside. Luang Por Alongkot was seen leaving the temple early Monday morning, carrying a large file of documents.
Despite these controversies, it is important to note that there were reports that Ban Walailak, a facility used as a hospital for AIDS patients, still had around 10 patients in serious condition.
In summary, the scandal involves complex financial irregularities around donation management and land ownership at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, implicating both the former abbot and a spiritual volunteer, leading to criminal investigations and arrests. The temple community and the public await the outcome of these investigations.
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