A prominent Buddhist monk in Thailand has been arrested on suspicion of embezzling donations intended for a care home. Luang Phor Alongkot, 65, the abbot of Wat Phrabatnampu temple in Lopburi province, was taken into custody on Tuesday. He is best known for founding a hospice in 1992 that provided shelter and treatment for people living with HIV and Aids, as well as educational support for children of patients. Over the years, the hospice expanded its services to cover people with other illnesses, earning Alongkot a humanitarian reputation.
See also: Woman paid £3k after police laugh at her sex toys
The investigation into the alleged misuse of funds began with influencer Seksan Sapsubbsakul, who had helped raise donations for the temple. Authorities later widened the probe to include Alongkot. Police confirmed that the monk cooperated fully with the arrest and voluntarily agreed to disrobe, a necessary step before criminal charges can be filed against Buddhist monks in Thailand. Alongkot has denied any wrongdoing but stepped down from his position as abbot last week amid growing rumours of financial mismanagement. His arrest has shocked supporters, as the hospice he built has been a crucial institution in Thailand’s fight against HIV/Aids for over three decades.
The case has put renewed focus on misconduct scandals within Thailand’s Buddhist institutions. While more than 90% of the population identify as Buddhist and monks are traditionally held in high esteem, a series of incidents has tarnished the faith’s public image. Reports of monks engaging in financial crimes, breaking vows of celibacy, and even involvement in drug trafficking have become more frequent in recent years. In July, Thai authorities opened a special hotline for the public to report “misbehaving monks” after at least nine were exposed for having sexual relations with a woman, who then blackmailed them using compromising photos and videos.
Deputy commissioner of Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau, Jaroonkiat Pankaew, said Alongkot’s arrest was carried out respectfully, adding that he “cooperated well with police and was willing to be disrobed without force.” This approach reflects the sensitivity of arresting a religious figure in a country where monks are regarded with reverence. The scandal echoes earlier cases, such as the 2017 arrest of a high-profile Thai monk who gained notoriety for his lavish lifestyle and was later charged with sex offences, fraud, and money laundering. Authorities say the latest arrest shows their determination to hold monks accountable when serious allegations arise.
See also: French Prime Minister Bayrou Faces Collapse After Parties Reject Confidence Vote
Comments
Post a Comment