A prominent Buddhist monk in Thailand, once celebrated for his humanitarian work during the country’s HIV/AIDS crisis, has been arrested on allegations of financial misconduct. Luang Phor Alongkot, also known by his clerical title Phra Ratcha Wisutthiprachanat, was taken into custody on Tuesday over claims of embezzling donations connected to a hospice he founded more than three decades ago.
Police confirmed on 26 August that Alongkot had been taken into custody from Wat Phra Bat Namphu, a monastery in Lopburi Province where he had served as abbot since the early 1990s. He was charged with embezzlement, dereliction of duty, and money laundering. A second individual, Seksan Sapsubbsakul, a fundraiser and social media influencer who had worked to raise donations for the temple, was also detained.
As required by Thai law, the 65-year-old monk was formally disrobed before charges were brought. He has denied wrongdoing.
“Initially, the monk cooperated well with the police and was willing to be disrobed without force. He understood the difference between Buddhist discipline and the legal process,” said deputy commissioner of Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau Jaroonkiat Pankaew. “I told him that he did things that benefit people and other things that were illegal and he had to bear the consequences.” (Associated Press)
Founded in 1992, Wat Phra Bat Namphu’s hospice was seen as groundbreaking in Thailand, offering shelter and care for those affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis at a time when stigma and limited medical treatments left many marginalized. With the advent of antiretroviral drugs and greater public awareness, the hospice’s role diminished, and Alongkot expanded the temple’s services to support people with other chronic illnesses. The temple also became known for its charitable projects, including providing education for underprivileged children.
Speculation over mismanagement of donations had circulated for weeks before Alongkot resigned from his position as abbot last week. The ongoing investigation began with inquiries into Seksan’s fundraising activities before being broadened to include Alongkot.
At the time of his resignation, Alongkot defended himself, claiming that someone was trying to have him removed from his role in the temple. He noted that donations had stopped coming in since the allegations were first made against him, impacting his ability to help patients.
“For example, today, there is not a single baht of donated [funds], compared to 200 baht (US$6.20) yesterday. It is like being hit by a storm,” he said, adding that the temple had expenses of some 200,000 baht (US$6,180) per day. “Today, I beg for sympathy and understanding, at least for the patients, some of whom are crying, cannot eat or sleep.” (Thai PBS World)
Monks in Thailand are widely respected, with more than 90 per cent of the country’s population identifying as Buddhist. Yet, in recent years, the country’s monastic sangha has been plagued by scandals involving financial fraud, sexual misconduct, and even drug trafficking. In July, Thai police opened a hotline for citizens to report “misbehaving monks” following revelations that at least nine monks had engaged in sexual relations with a woman who subsequently blackmailed them.
In another high-profile case in 2017, a monk who traveled internationally by private jet was charged with sexual offences, fraud, and money laundering, attracting worldwide attention. Such cases have shaken public confidence in Thailand’s Buddhist institutions, even as many monks continue to play vital roles in community life.
See more
Thailand arrests Buddhist monk over alleged embezzlement linked to AIDS hospice he founded (Associated Press)
Buddhist monk arrested for alleged embezzlement in Thailand (BBC News)
Luang Phor Alongkot: resignation meant to clear way for investigation (Thai PBS World)
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