In a sweeping investigation that has gripped the Buddhist community and law enforcement alike, the former abbot of Wat Nakhon Sawan, Phra Dhammawachirakhun, is at the center of a corruption scandal involving inappropriate relationships, financial irregularities, and a stalled temple construction project.
On July 22, 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Jarunkiat Pan-kaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, revealed the latest developments in the probe. Authorities are meticulously gathering evidence against the ex-abbot, who was found to have illicit relations with a female lay supporter, known as a sika, while still ordained. This breach of monastic discipline led to his defrocking and arrest. But beyond the personal scandal, the investigation has uncovered troubling signs of corruption and financial mismanagement within the temple's operations.
Police forces, alongside the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), have deployed teams directly into the field to collect comprehensive evidence. These efforts include scrutinizing the temple’s financial records, donation flows, and the long-delayed Buddha Garden construction project, which has been dragging on for nearly two decades.
One of the key challenges uncovered is the incomplete and disorganized financial documentation spanning the past ten years. Investigators quickly noticed that vital financial records were missing or poorly maintained, raising red flags about potential cover-ups or negligence. The police have split their teams to tackle this complex case: one group is focused on auditing the temple’s accounts at Wat Nakhon Sawan, while another accompanies Phra Khru Sutthitham Bandit, the assistant abbot, to inspect the Buddha Garden project firsthand.
The Buddha Garden, envisioned as a grand spiritual landmark, remains unfinished despite continuous fundraising efforts. The construction has been plagued by numerous issues, including falling debris, fraudulent activities by contractors, and lawsuits from a couple claiming unpaid debts. Furthermore, the necessity of using the abbot’s name to open bank accounts has complicated financial transparency, forcing the temple to rely heavily on donations from other monastic communities.
Among these donors is Luang Por Phat, the abbot of Wat Tharn Thahan (also known as Wat Huai Duan), who stepped in to provide tens of millions of baht in cash donations and helped stabilize the temple’s finances. His intervention was crucial in managing the irregularities and improving the temple’s condition, yet questions remain about the overall stewardship of funds.
Adding to the turmoil, on July 21, 2025, the acting director of the Nakhon Sawan Academic Region at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University unexpectedly submitted his resignation. Although the reasons remain unclear, observers speculate it may be linked to the ongoing investigations. The university’s financial accounts also show disturbing signs, with annual deficits of 7 to 8 million baht, prompting further scrutiny by authorities.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jarunkiat emphasized that the investigation is firmly rooted in evidence, not religious discipline enforcement. "We are proceeding based on solid evidence," he said. "Our role is to protect the Buddhist institution from degradation by enforcing the law against those involved in corruption. The police have a duty to safeguard the nation, religion, and monarchy. This is a responsibility we take seriously." He reassured the public that concerns about evidence tampering are unfounded, noting that scientific methods of evidence examination prevent manipulation.
Financial transactions linked to the former abbot have been traced through at least eight bank accounts, involving three individuals: the ex-abbot himself, a temple monk, and a layperson. However, police currently confirm connections to only two of these people, with investigations ongoing to determine the involvement of a potential third party. If found guilty of misappropriating temple funds, those responsible could face legal consequences akin to the infamous 'sika golf' case, which similarly involved misused donations.
Meanwhile, the appointment of a new abbot for Wat Huai Duan remains pending despite public demand, further complicating the temple’s governance. Donations from Wat Huai Duan have reportedly been channeled to the former abbot of Wat Nakhon Sawan, raising additional questions about fund allocation and oversight.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jarunkiat also confirmed that authorities will summon contractors involved in the Buddha Garden construction for questioning. The tangled web of construction delays, financial shortfalls, and legal disputes paints a picture of systemic mismanagement that has eroded public trust.
As the investigation unfolds, all parties involved, including officials who have resigned from their posts, are expected to face legal action. The authorities are committed to a thorough and transparent inquiry, promising that no one will be spared if found culpable.
This scandal not only exposes potential criminal conduct but also challenges the integrity of religious institutions that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in Thailand. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and vigilance to preserve the sanctity of faith and public trust.
With multiple agencies collaborating and evidence steadily mounting, the coming weeks are likely to bring further revelations. Whether justice will be served remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the investigation marks a critical moment for the Buddhist community and law enforcement alike.
