HOME > NATION > Article

Text Size

small

medium

large


Luang Por Alongkot steps down as Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu abbot

Luang Por Alongkot steps down as Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu abbot

Provided by Nation.

Former abbot Luang Por Alongkot seen leaving Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu with documents before resigning amid donation misuse scandal.

Luang Por Alongkot seen leaving temple with documents early Monday
The former abbot of Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu in Lop Buri was seen leaving the temple in the early hours of Monday carrying a large file of documents.

Sources at the temple in Tambon Khao Sam Yod, Mueang district, said the monk returned late on Sunday night, around 10 or 11 pm, and departed again at 5 am.

He was seen leaving in a temple van while carrying a thick file of documents. He reportedly told temple staff that he would provide explanations regarding the use of temple donations to officials, without specifying where he was going.

At 1 pm later that day, Luang Por Alongkot officially announced his resignation as the temple’s abbot.

Luang Por Alongkot has been at the centre of controversy following allegations that public donations to the temple were misused or embezzled. There have also been claims that donated items intended for HIV/AIDS patients, such as adult nappies and other supplies, were discarded.

Channel 8 sent a reporter to photograph the inside of the Metta Dharm (Compassionate) Building, which was found in a dirty and disorganised state with many donated items left to rot.

After the photos were broadcast, the temple explained that monkeys had broken into the building, causing damage and leaving it in a filthy condition. The temple later erected signs prohibiting reporters from entering and had workers clean the premises.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Ban Walailak, a facility the temple used as a hospital for AIDS patients, still had around 10 patients in serious condition.

The​ Nation's​ Editorial: thenation@nationgroup.com

NATION

HEADLINES

POLITICS
Trump Rules Out Possibility of Sending US Ground Troops to Ukraine
ECONOMY
Document on US-Japan Tariff Deal Likely to Be Released "Weeks Away": Lutnick
SPORTS
Tennis: Osaka-Monfils Pair Defeated in US Open Mixed Doubles 1st Round
OTHER
Police Take Actions in 54 Election Law Violation Cases over Upper House Poll

AFP-JIJI PRESS NEWS JOURNAL


Photos