Nakhon sawan: The secretary of the former provincial abbot of Nakhon Sawan has expressed willingness to cooperate with an audit of the temple's financial accounts, affirming transparency in its management. The recent delay in the Buddha Park construction project was attributed to the contractor's embezzlement of funds.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere inside Nakhon Sawan Temple was notably quiet, with no locals present to make merit on a Sunday following the sudden disrobing of Phra Thammachirathirakun. The temple has released a statement addressing allegations of opaque spending, noting that as the former provincial abbot and chairman of the Buddha Park construction project, Phra Thammachira Thirakun was involved in overseeing the project alongside the provincial clergy.
The temple clarified that all construction projects were managed by a committee and that financial documents were adequately prepared for verification. Legal action had been taken against the embezzlers involved in the project, resulting in a court ruling in favor of the Buddha Park. However, the embezzlers evaded arrest and failed to fulfill their debt obligations, leading to construction delays. Nakhon Sawan Temple, a royal temple, reiterated its commitment to transparent management and its readiness to cooperate with any investigations to uphold the honor of Buddhism.
Phra Khru Suthee Thammabandit, the secretary of the former provincial abbot, stated that after Phra Thammachirathirakun performed the ceremony to request disrobing, there was uncertainty about his whereabouts. The former abbot offered no details regarding the allegations, choosing instead to let the legal process proceed. Phra Khru Suthi further mentioned that he was unaware of any involvement with laywomen, as interactions during ceremonies were customary and conducted with caution. He assured that the temple's financial management involved a committee for guidance and confirmed its transparency, welcoming external audits.