On August 27, 2025, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) in Thailand made a decisive move to remove content featuring former monk Alongkot, once lauded for his social contributions, from fifth-grade supplementary Thai language textbooks. The decision comes after Alongkot, previously known as Phra Ratchawisutthiprachanat, was arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses, including money laundering and violations of monastic discipline. The story has sparked nationwide debate about the role of public figures in education and the responsibilities of institutions in shaping young minds.
For years, textbooks used in Thai elementary schools included a section on public-minded individuals, spotlighting Alongkot for his charitable work. According to reporting from Channel 7 and Thairath, the textbooks described him as the abbot of Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu in Lopburi province, a figure who "dedicated his knowledge and abilities to caring for people with AIDS and educating villagers and organizations about the disease, so they could understand how to interact with those infected." The books also credited him with establishing a community aid center in Nong Muang district, distributing food, basic medicine, and necessities to the poor, and even building homes for the homeless.
But the narrative took a sharp turn in 2025. OBEC, led by Secretary-General Lieutenant Thanu Wongjinda, reviewed the content after news broke of Alongkot's arrest. He was detained on three charges: Section 147 (misappropriation of public funds), Section 157 (malfeasance in office), and money laundering. Beyond the legal allegations, authorities cited violations of monastic discipline and concealing his true identity as additional grounds for concern.
"After investigating the supplementary Thai language textbook for fifth grade, we found that it included content praising the former monk Alongkot as a public-minded individual," said Lt. Thanu Wongjinda, as reported by Channel 7. "Given the recent developments and legal proceedings against him, OBEC has decided to remove all such content from future editions. In the upcoming academic year, there will be no mention of the former monk Alongkot in any supplementary Thai language textbooks."
This announcement immediately rippled through the education sector and beyond. For years, Alongkot had been seen as a model of selflessness and social service, particularly for his work with people living with HIV/AIDS. His efforts were widely regarded as a beacon of hope in a country where stigma around the disease remains prevalent. The textbooks' portrayal of him as a public-spirited hero was, for many, both inspirational and instructive.
However, with the new allegations and subsequent arrest, OBEC faced mounting pressure to reconsider his place in educational materials. Critics argued that continuing to feature him would send the wrong message to students, potentially undermining trust in the education system. Others, however, cautioned against erasing positive contributions entirely, warning that such actions could set a precedent for rewriting history based on later events.
The controversy also reignited discussions about the vetting process for individuals featured as role models in textbooks. According to Thairath, the content in question was part of a supplementary reader in the Thai language curriculum, specifically under a section dedicated to "public-minded individuals." The inclusion of Alongkot had been justified by his extensive charitable work, particularly his care for HIV/AIDS patients and his efforts to educate communities about the disease.
Yet, as OBEC's review revealed, the same qualities that once made him an exemplary figure now complicated his legacy. The allegations against him—ranging from financial misconduct to violations of monastic discipline—cast a long shadow over his previous achievements. The education authority concluded that maintaining his story in textbooks would not be appropriate, given the seriousness of the charges.
"The Office of the Basic Education Commission has already ordered the removal of the content from the supplementary textbook," Thanu Wongjinda reiterated, as quoted by Thairath. "In the new academic year, there will be no content about the former monk Alongkot in any supplementary Thai language textbooks."
This swift action underscored OBEC's commitment to maintaining the integrity of educational materials and upholding public trust. The move also highlighted the challenges educational authorities face in balancing the recognition of individuals' positive contributions with the need to address subsequent wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the case has prompted broader reflection within Thai society. Should the misdeeds of a public figure erase their good works? Is it possible—or even desirable—to separate a person's achievements from their later actions? These questions, while not unique to Thailand, have taken on new urgency in light of the current controversy.
Some educators and parents have expressed relief at OBEC's decision, viewing it as a necessary step to protect students from confusion and potential disillusionment. "We have to be careful about who we present as role models to our children," said one primary school teacher in Bangkok, echoing a sentiment shared by many. "If someone has been found guilty of serious crimes, it's hard to justify keeping them in textbooks, no matter what good they did before."
Others, however, worry about the implications of erasing positive examples from the public record. "History is complicated," noted a social studies professor at a leading Thai university. "If we remove every figure who has ever made a mistake, we risk losing valuable lessons about redemption, complexity, and the human condition. The challenge is finding a way to teach students about both the good and the bad."
OBEC's decision comes at a time when educational content is under increasing scrutiny worldwide. The debate over Alongkot's removal mirrors similar discussions in other countries about how to handle public figures who fall from grace. In many cases, authorities have opted for nuanced approaches, contextualizing both achievements and failings rather than erasing individuals altogether.
For now, though, OBEC's stance is clear. The former monk Alongkot will no longer be held up as an example of public-mindedness in Thai textbooks. As schools across the country prepare for the new academic year, educators and policymakers alike are left grappling with the broader questions his story raises—about justice, forgiveness, and the ever-evolving standards by which society judges its heroes.
In the end, the fate of Alongkot's story in Thai education serves as a reminder of the power—and the responsibility—of those who shape the narratives that guide the next generation.
