Phichit: Phra Khru Phisutthiwarakorn, the former abbot and treasurer of Wat Bang Khlan, has been summoned to face charges of jointly embezzling 2.5 million baht from the sale of Luang Pho Ngoen amulets. He initially denies all charges.
According to Thai News Agency, the Anti-Corruption Division of the Royal Thai Police has issued summonses to Phra Khru Phisutthiwarakorn, the former abbot of Wat Hiranyaram (Wat Bang Khlan) in Phichit Province, and Mr. Phon, the acting temple treasurer, to appear and face charges of embezzlement by a public official and malfeasance in office. Both have initially denied all charges. When reporters attempted to ask Phra Khru Phisutthiwarakorn if he had anything to clarify, he declined to give an interview.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Panngaeo, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, revealed that this case involves a long-standing conflict within Wat Bang Khlan, spanning over 11 years, between groups of villagers and the temple's abbot. There have been numerous lawsuits filed against each other. In 2023, villagers distributed a document revealing the distribution of 2.5 million baht in benefits between "Phra Khru Phisutthi," the then abbot of Wat Bang Khlan, and Mr. Phon Waiyawachakorn. This led to a defamation case in court. The Police Anti-Corruption Division, in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Commission, investigated the 2.5 million baht. It was discovered that approximately 800,000 baht of the 2.5 million baht was used for temple expenses, with the remainder being divided between "Phra Khru Phisutthi," the then abbot (700,000 baht), and Mr. Phon (over 500,000 baht).
However, during questioning, both individuals continued to deny the allegations, claiming the money was used for other activities. While they are free to give whatever statement they wish, investigators will examine the financial trail and documents, as any use of temple funds requires evidence. The use of additional temple land is also suspicious and is one of two cases that the Police Anti-Corruption Division is currently expanding its investigation into. If the evidence becomes clearer, they may be summoned to face additional charges.
Meanwhile, Police Major General Prasong Chalermphan, commander of the Anti-Corruption Division, revealed that the missing 2.5 million baht originated from a letter dated late 2022 from Mr. Rak Sriket, a famous amulet expert. He had requested permission from Phra Khru Phisut to create a historical reproduction of the "Luang Pho Ngern" amulet to raise funds for the construction of a Thai-style pavilion at Wat Bang Khlan. 25,500 amulets were to be produced, with a total estimated sales price of 44.5 million baht. However, due to protests, only a portion of the amulets were sold. Mr. Rak then gave a number of amulets to the temple to sell for the pavilion's renovation. If all amulets were sold, the temple would have received approximately 9 million baht. The temple appointed Mr. Mana as the sales representative, who opened a personal bank account to receive the funds. However, this income was not recorded in the temple's income and expenditure accounts, as required by the National Office of Buddhism (NOB.W.5), de spite inquiries to the foundry confirming the production of the amulets. The money was delivered to Ajarn Rak and the temple, the sale was real, and 2.5 million baht was actually received, which should have belonged to the temple.
Police Major General Prasong added that the temple also concealed expenses, claiming the money was used to purchase land for the temple. However, it was found that only 190,000 baht was actually used to purchase land. In addition, there was income from the sale of other amulets through the Luang Pho Ngoen Foundation, but the money did not reach the foundation in full; several million baht was missing. This case is currently being investigated at the Phon Thale Police Station.
As for Phra Khru Phisutthi and Mr. Phon Waiyawachakorn, after questioning and being charged, the police will not detain them as they appeared in response to a summons.