Nakhon sawan: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has undertaken a thorough inspection of the Nakhon Sawan campus office of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) and Buddha Park. The investigation aims to uncover financial discrepancies linked to the construction of the Buddha Park.
According to Thai News Agency, Phra Khru Suthithambandit, assistant abbot of Nakhon Sawan Temple, accompanied officers from the ACC, the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), and the Office of Buddhism. They examined the office building of the Nakhon Sawan Buddhist College, which was previously managed by the acting director who recently resigned. Additionally, Buddha Park, which remains in a state of neglect, was inspected. The area still has scaffolding under the Buddha statue and signs of pigeons inhabiting the vicinity.
Phra Khru Suthi Thammabandit mentioned that due to substandard brass sheet materials used in the Buddha image, re-gilding and repainting were necessitated. Donations continue to be accepted under the account name 'Wat Nakhon Sawan (Gold Leafing of Phra Phuttha Si Sappanyu)' as Buddha Park is not a legal entity and must utilize the temple's account. Previously, donors for the park's construction had their contributions acknowledged with signage. The acting director's resignation, which has garnered attention, was solely from the director position, while he remains a lecturer at MCU, citing management failures as the resignation reason.
Pol. Col. Sombat Thai Kiew, deputy commander of the Anti-Corruption Division, revealed that documents from MCU indicate an annual budget issue of 7-8 million baht. These documents are under collection for analysis to ascertain any potential links to corrupt practices.
Asst. Prof. Sasikij Amchui, Assistant to the Rector for Student Affairs, noted that the former acting director secured his position through a recruitment exam two years ago, organized by the central MCU. The resignation document is yet to be reviewed, and there was no prior awareness of the director's association with the former abbot of Nakhon Sawan Temple.