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Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Police continue to probe finances of HIV temple
Police say they are gathering evidence to determine if any embezzlement has taken place at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, which operates a world-famous shelter for HIV/Aids patients in Lop Buri. Investigators have found some inconsistencies in the information provided by a man who managed donations for the temple, according to Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). He referred to accounts from a Thai influencer who has claimed to be able to communicate with ghosts and has a large online following. Seksan Sapsubbsakul aka Mor Bee, has managed cash donations that are earmarked for treatment of HIV patients under the care of Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat said that initially Mor Bee told police that he kept some of the donations and forwarded the remainder to Phra Alongkot, the abbot of the temple. Later, the deputy CIB chief said, Mor Bee told police that he handed all the donations to the abbot. Apart from the inconsistent answers from Mor Bee, police also wondered why he had to withdraw cash and hand it to the abbot instead of transferring donations between bank accounts directly without carrying cash, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat said. The handover of donations through cash withdrawals was unusual, he said. Regardless of Mor Bee's differing accounts, police would adhere to the concrete evidence they were collecting, the deputy commissioner said. He said that police had not yet decided if they would question Phra Alongkot. 'Police will take time for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for everyone, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat said. Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu has gained a high profile in Thailand and worldwide as a refuge for HIV/Aids patients, having treated thousands over the past three decades. But with that high profile — and large-scale fundraising — have come questions. A Bangkok Post investigation in 2014 looked into suspicions that some HIV/Aids patients were deliberately left to deteriorate, and their frail state used as a tool to get sympathy and solicit donations, something temple officials have denied.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Local NOB office in crosshairs
Prime Minister's Office Minister Suchart Tancharoen has ordered the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) to establish a fact-finding committee to investigate the provincial NOB office overseeing Wat Phrabat Nam Phu in Lop Buri. The move comes amid mounting allegations of missing donations, suspicious land transactions, and possible misconduct linked to the temple. The controversy centres on Seksan Sapsubbsakul, better known as "Mor Bee" (Fortuneteller Bee), a self-proclaimed spiritual medium who has long worked with the temple, which is widely known for caring for HIV/Aids patients. Mr Seksan is accused of misappropriating 5.4 million baht in public donations. Mr Suchart said the NOB must take a proactive role in monitoring provincial offices to prevent scandals, rather than merely responding after problems surface. "We tend to learn about problems only after damage has been done," he said, adding that any confirmed violations will be dealt with under the law to restore public trust in the monkhood. On Monday, Mr Seksan spent more than six hours giving testimony at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), denying wrongdoing and claiming all donations were given directly to the abbot, Phra Ratchawisutthiprachanat, also known as Phra Alongkot. However, CSD Deputy Commander Pol Col Anek Taosupap said that the initial evidence suggests possible fraud. Investigators are focusing on the missing 5.4 million baht, which Mr Seksan claims was spent on temple projects, including an overseas scholarship fund and a cattle rescue programme. More than 20 witnesses have been questioned. Some financial records bear the abbot's signature, while others do not. The investigation also uncovered 2,326 rai of temple land registered under names of individuals and entities connected to the temple. The case has been referred to the Anti-Corruption Division over potential misconduct by state officials. Pol Col Anek stressed the case involves complex details and will take time to examine thoroughly. While no arrest warrants have been issued yet, he noted that any asset transfers, such as property or vehicles, would leave records and could lead to further charges, including malfeasance, embezzlement, and money laundering. He added that temple donors are being interviewed to ensure the investigation addresses all relevant issues, not just those involving Mor Bee.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Local Buddhism office in crosshairs amid alleged missing donations
Prime Minister's Office Minister Suchart Tancharoen has ordered the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) to establish a fact-finding committee to investigate the provincial NOB office overseeing Wat Phrabat Nam Phu in Lop Buri. The move comes amid mounting allegations of missing donations, suspicious land transactions, and possible misconduct linked to the temple. The controversy centres on Seksan Sapsubbsakul, better known as "Mor Bee" (Fortuneteller Bee), a self-proclaimed spiritual medium who has long worked with the temple, which is widely known for caring for HIV/Aids patients. Mr Seksan is accused of misappropriating 5.4 million baht in public donations. Mr Suchart said the NOB must take a proactive role in monitoring provincial offices to prevent scandals, rather than merely responding after problems surface. "We tend to learn about problems only after damage has been done," he said, adding that any confirmed violations will be dealt with under the law to restore public trust in the monkhood. On Monday, Mr Seksan spent more than six hours giving testimony at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), denying wrongdoing and claiming all donations were given directly to the abbot, Phra Ratchawisutthiprachanat, also known as Phra Alongkot. However, CSD Deputy Commander Pol Col Anek Taosupap said that the initial evidence suggests possible fraud. Investigators are focusing on the missing 5.4 million baht, which Mr Seksan claims was spent on temple projects, including an overseas scholarship fund and a cattle rescue programme. More than 20 witnesses have been questioned. Some financial records bear the abbot's signature, while others do not. The investigation also uncovered 2,326 rai of temple land registered under names of individuals and entities connected to the temple. The case has been referred to the Anti-Corruption Division over potential misconduct by state officials. Pol Col Anek stressed the case involves complex details and will take time to examine thoroughly. While no arrest warrants have been issued yet, he noted that any asset transfers, such as property or vehicles, would leave records and could lead to further charges, including malfeasance, embezzlement, and money laundering. He added that temple donors are being interviewed to ensure the investigation addresses all relevant issues, not just those involving Mor Bee. Amid the scrutiny, Phra Alongkot on Tuesday cancelled three scheduled public events in Bangkok and nearby provinces. Instead, he was expected to lead reporters to inspect temple land in Nong Muang district.
