Lopburi: Luang Por Alongkot, the abbot of Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, has announced he is awaiting clarification from Dr. B regarding allegations of fund misuse and embezzlement. Should these allegations prove true, the abbot asserts that he will take appropriate action.
According to Thai News Agency, Luang Por Alongkot disclosed that Dr. B, known as the "Spiritual Messenger," had previously informed him about using donated funds to purchase a car for the temple. However, it was revealed that Dr. B had used the car before it could be officially presented to the temple. Since 2019, Dr. B has been managing a bank account, purportedly for volunteer activities at the temple, with his secretary reporting all financial transactions. Luang Por Alongkot explained that Dr. B typically donates a significant portion of received funds directly to the temple, while a smaller portion is earmarked for volunteer projects. The latter, however, lacks proper verification, as the funds are directly allocated to specific projects like saving animals, which the abbot was only made aware of last year.
The situation has also raised questions among villagers regarding Dr. B's claims about a meditation retreat, allegedly constructed with donated funds. Although the retreat is positioned as a facility for spiritual practices, the land on which it stands might be registered under Dr. B's name, necessitating further investigation and clarification.
Luang Por Alongkot expressed concern over Dr. B's lack of communication, attributing it to negligence rather than deceit. He mentioned that Dr. B often refrained from providing detailed explanations, possibly assuming that the abbot was too preoccupied to engage in such discussions. Currently, communication has been stalled due to Dr. B's illness, and only his secretary has offered any clarification on the matter.
Regarding potential police investigations into the temple's finances, Luang Por Alongkot remains unconcerned, emphasizing that the donors are the true victims, while Dr. B's public stature adds complexity to the situation. Dr. B's bank account was suspended a month after the allegations surfaced. The abbot reiterated his commitment to taking action if any wrongdoing is substantiated.
The temple committee is scheduled to convene to discuss the issue further, with a press conference planned at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu to address public concerns.