Saraburi: "Kruba Chaiwat," the head of Wat Pa Chanajai, has been hospitalized due to a heart condition, appointing a representative to address allegations of land encroachment. The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) and the Department of Forestry are set to file a lawsuit against the temple next week.
According to Thai News Agency, Kruba Chaiwat, the abbot of Wat Pa Chanajai in Saraburi province, unexpectedly fell ill and was admitted to a hospital. The Kruba Chaiwat Foundation for Peace announced that due to his heart condition and fatigue from travel, he could not attend a scheduled press conference. A representative from the foundation will issue a statement on his behalf to clarify the situation regarding the encroachment allegations.
At a press conference held at the Pa Chanachai Meditation Center, Phra Joe, a monk from the temple, presented a medical certificate confirming the abbot's illness. The foundation's lawyer explained the temple's establishment, noting that villagers donated 13 rai of land. However, when questioned about permissions and applications related to the temple's expansion, the volunteer lawyer admitted a lack of knowledge due to his recent appointment.
The expansion beyond the donated land was attributed to a need for more living quarters for 60 nuns awaiting ordination. When asked about the legality of this expansion, Phra Joe refrained from commenting, while the lawyer stated that an investigation is ongoing. If proven illegal, the temple pledges to reforest the land. Questions about the solicitation of donations for construction on potentially illegal land were dismissed by the lawyer as minor issues.
In response to inquiries about the recall of Kruba Chaiwat and other monks to their original temples in Loei and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, Phra Joe confirmed the notices had been received. He requested additional time to transfer to Wat Pak Khlong Nai to complete the procedures for establishing a new temple.
The press conference ended abruptly when legal procedures were questioned, with the lawyer cutting off further discussion.
Nun Nan, a resident of Wat Pa Chanachai since 2024, expressed her faith in Kruba Chaiwat's teachings, emphasizing the temple's focus on reducing superstitions.
Authorities are preparing to file a police report against Wat Pa Chanachai next week. Police Major General Anek Taosupap, Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, stated that officials are gathering evidence to support the case. Victims of alleged fraud related to ordination ceremonies and donations will also file complaints. Investigations into the temple's financial transactions are underway.
The investigation will determine the ownership of the disputed land, with evidence of encroachment found at two locations. One involves illegal construction and deforestation, while the other concerns a Buddhist park established on unallocated S.P.K. land.
A background check revealed that Kruba Chaiwat, a former male nurse, became a monk in 2023. His fundraising activities are under scrutiny for potential fraud, as donations were solicited under false ownership claims. Investigators plan to summon him for questioning.