Buddhist charity office under scrutiny due to accusations of unaccounted-for donations
In August 2025, an investigation into Wat Phrabat Nam Phu in Lop Buri intensified following allegations of mismanagement of public donations meant for the temple's HIV/AIDS care program. The abbot, Luang Por Alongkot, formally resigned on August 19, amid conflicting reports about his status earlier in the week.
The investigation, which began in early August, has focused on Seksan “Mor Bee” Sapsubbsakul, a prominently involved figure who allegedly misused or embezzled donations through an account set up in 2019 for the temple’s care program.
On August 18-19, reports emerged that Luang Por Alongkot had resigned. However, he initially denied resigning in a video, but by late August 19, his resignation was formally accepted by the Lop Buri monastic chief in accordance with ecclesiastical law.
In response to the unclear and contradictory public information, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suchart Tancharoen visited Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu on August 19 to verify facts regarding the temple’s management, six affiliated foundations, and financial matters.
The brewing crisis of faith among HIV/AIDS patients and the community served by the temple was highlighted in media coverage on August 20. The uncertainty faced due to allegations and leadership change has caused concern.
Authorities moved to cremate more than 20 preserved corpses found at the temple on August 21, following the investigation but related more to temple operations and public health concerns.
As of late August 2025, the abbot’s resignation is official, and ecclesiastical authorities are involved in appointing an acting abbot and considering long-term leadership arrangements. Investigations into the financial management, including missing donations and possibly dubious land transactions connected to the temple, are ongoing under the oversight of the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant Buddhist ecclesiastical authorities.
Calls for transparency and compassionate handling of the situation have been made by interfaith leaders to maintain faith in the institution while addressing the issues. The NOB has been urged to take a proactive role in monitoring provincial offices to prevent scandals, rather than merely responding after problems surface.
Seksan Sapsubbsakul, the central figure in the controversy, spent more than six hours giving testimony at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) on Monday. Phra Alongkot is expected to lead reporters to inspect temple land in Nong Muang district.
The investigation has uncovered 2,326 rai of temple land registered under names of individuals and entities connected to the temple, with initial evidence suggesting possible fraud in the case. Temple donors are being interviewed to ensure the investigation addresses all relevant issues, not just those involving Mor Bee.
Seksan denied wrongdoing and claimed all donations were given directly to the abbot, Phra Ratchawisutthiprachanat, also known as Phra Alongkot. The controversy centers on Seksan Sapsubbsakul, a self-proclaimed spiritual medium who has worked with the temple.
The case has been referred to the Anti-Corruption Division over potential misconduct by state officials. Investigators are focusing on the missing 5.4 million baht, claimed by Mr Seksan to have been spent on temple projects. Pol Col Anek emphasized that the case involves complex details and will take time to examine thoroughly.
Phra Alongkot cancelled three scheduled public events in response to the scrutiny. Some financial records in the case bear the abbot's signature, while others do not. No arrest warrants have been issued yet, but any asset transfers could lead to further charges, including malfeasance, embezzlement, and money laundering.
The Prime Minister stated that any confirmed violations will be dealt with under the law to restore public trust in the monkhood. More than 20 witnesses have been questioned in the investigation. The investigation continues as of August 2025.
In light of the ongoing investigation, political discourse and general-news outlets have reported extensively on the mismanagement of public donations at Wat Phrabat Nam Phu in Lop Buri, with a particular focus on crime-and-justice issues surrounding Seksan “Mor Bee” Sapsubbsakul.
The ongoing investigation into Seksan Sapsubbsakul has highlighted complex details, including possible fraud in temple land transactions, missing donations, and potential embezzlement charges, which have led to calls for transparency from interfaith leaders and the Anti-Corruption Division.
