Maha Sarakham: The abbot of Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen, Phra Ajahn Suriyant Kosapanyo, has clarified that the money allegedly given by a former deputy abbot to a female follower was from his personal funds, not the temple’s. This statement comes amidst ongoing exposure of the incident, including the revelation of a 2 million baht transfer slip.
According to Thai News Agency, despite the controversy, Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen in Maha Sarakham Province has continued to attract locals for merit-making and visits. The former deputy abbot, who has since disrobed, had previously held a prominent position at the temple. Phra Ajahn Suriyant addressed concerns regarding the source of the funds used by the former monk, assuring that the temple’s finances, earmarked for projects like a 168-meter-high Buddha statue, remain untouched. He emphasized that any expenditure from temple funds would be subject to an audit.
Monks close to Phra Ajahn Suriyant provided additional context, revealing that the ex-monk had collaborated with the p
rivate sector to establish an amulet booking center. They clarified that the funds used for the laywomen originated from this venture and were unrelated to the temple’s Kathin funds or other donations. The ex-monk is currently associated with Wat Mahachai, a royal temple, and only occasionally visits Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen.
The director of the Mahasarakham Provincial Office of Buddhism confirmed that the money in question was indeed the personal funds of the former monk, who was not responsible for managing the temple’s finances. Expressing concern over the potential implications for Buddhism’s stability, the director assured readiness to address any complaints and provide clarity.
Investigations into the female involved reveal that she previously resided with her grandparents in Maha Sarakham Municipality but has since moved to a condominium. Despite frequent visits to the area in a new BMW, she has not been seen following the emergence of the news.
The situation continues to unfold with the Facebook page ‘K
hun Thao Sri Suwannaphirom Phakdi’ consistently releasing evidence, including evidence of financial transactions. Allegations have surfaced, implicating individuals close to senior monks in illicit activities like online gambling, purportedly to fund temple projects and amulet production. Another page, ‘Rose Nakbin’, has echoed these claims, suggesting a wider network of money laundering and bribery linked to temple activities.