Bangkok: 'Father Alongkot' has agreed to disrobe after 'Big Tao' entered into negotiations. Luang Pho Alongkot agreed to disrobe to enter legal proceedings after 'Big Tao' joined the questioning in the embezzlement case of donations from Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu.
According to Thai News Agency, former monk Phra Ratchawisutthiprachanath, or Phra Alongkot of Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, disrobed in front of monks after being taken into custody for questioning at the Crime Suppression Division late last night. The interrogation began around 5:00 a.m. and continued until 3:00 p.m. The former monk was cooperative but initially refused to disrobe. Police Major General Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, arrived to personally question him and persuade him to reflect on his past merits and contributions to the Buddhist religion, which prompted him to voluntarily disrobe.
Before disrobing, former monk Alongkot delivered a final sermon lasting over 20 minutes. He expressed his joy at having the opportunity to share his story, which will preserve the faith of his followers and Buddhists, given his more than 30 years of service. He added that sometimes, things go wrong, and he urged them to understand that there are two sides to the story: the worldly and the spiritual, and that both are interconnected.