BANGKOK — A revered abbot who once helped AIDS patients has become the center of Thailand’s latest monastic scandal, accused of orchestrating a massive donation fraud worth potentially tens of billions of baht.
From Hero to Suspect
Luang Pho Alongkot, former abbot of Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu in Lopburi province, built his reputation in 1992 by opening this temple as a refuge for HIV/AIDS patients during Thailand’s early epidemic. When discrimination was rampant and treatment limited, his temple became a sanctuary that attracted nationwide media attention and massive donations.
But on August 26, 2025, the 32-year journey ended dramatically. Alongkot was defrocked and charged with money laundering alongside celebrity spirit medium “Doctor Bee” (Seksan Sapsuksakul). Both remain in custody awaiting bail decisions.
“Alongkot the Drama”
Police Colonel Charoenkiat Pankaew, leading the investigation, calls the scheme “Alongkot the Drama” – an elaborate performance designed to deceive donors.
“While the temple genuinely helped patients initially, as AIDS treatments became available and medical costs decreased, donations paradoxically increased,” he explained. “The necessity for patient care was virtually non-existent, yet every donation appeal claimed to help patients.”
Investigators believe the network operated like a company, with officials systematically collecting and managing funds across multiple channels. The damages could reach tens of billions of baht over several years.
A Life Built on Lies
The monk’s real name was Kriangkrai Phetkaew, but he had stolen the complete identity of a deceased school football teammate named Alongkot Polmuk, using not only his friend’s name but even his parents’ names to open foundation accounts.
His impressive credentials were entirely fabricated – no graduation from prestigious Debsirin School, no degree from Kasetsart University, no master’s in engineering from Australia. He confessed to never finishing vocational school and fleeing military service to Malaysia before returning to ordain, originally planning only a temporary stay in robes.
The Spirit Medium’s Role
The downfall began with “Doctor Bee,” who leveraged the temple’s reputation for his own fundraising. Temple insiders became suspicious when cash donations mysteriously disappeared, coinciding with Doctor Bee’s construction of a lavish new house.
This internal intelligence led to the major investigation that expanded to encompass approximately 30 network members working with the former monk.
Systematic Chaos
The National Anti-Corruption Commission found no proper financial management systems despite easily obtained funds. Temple officials couldn’t account for the number of bank accounts or explain how money was used for insurance purchases or company establishments.
One former patient conducted withdrawals exceeding 300 million baht over five years. Someone casually obtained 100 million baht from the monk to purchase a helicopter.
Ongoing Consequences
The scandal affects 120 people still living at the temple, including 60 terminal patients requiring full-time care. Meanwhile, the case has prompted systematic reforms:
- The Revenue Department will require electronic donation systems (e-Donation) for tax deductions starting January 2026
- Traditional handwritten merit certificates will become invalid for tax purposes
- Organizations have revoked Alongkot’s previous honors
- Educational authorities removed content praising him from Grade 5 textbooks
The Bigger Picture
This case represents more than individual corruption – it highlights vulnerabilities in Thailand’s temple donation system and the ease with which public compassion can be exploited. As investigations continue, authorities hope to set an example that will deter similar schemes across Thailand’s thousands of temples.
The man once celebrated as a savior for AIDS patients now stands as a cautionary tale about the dark potential lurking behind sacred robes and charitable facades.
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