Temple Scandal in Phichit: Millions Missing or Accounted?
Police general alleges huge losses at Wat Hirunyaram — foundation insists funds are clean
A bitter dispute has erupted in Phichit over temple finances, with accusations of tens of millions of baht gone missing — and equally strong denials that anything is amiss. The controversy centers on Wat Hirunyaram, better known as Wat Bang Klan, a temple famous across Thailand.
General vs. foundation: A clash of claims
Police Lieutenant General Jarungkiet Panakeaw sparked the storm when he claimed that between 30 and 40 million baht had mysteriously disappeared from the temple’s funds over the past decade. According to his remarks, the temple’s original assets of 105 million baht have been significantly depleted.
The Luang Por Ngern Wat Bang Klan Foundation, however, hit back hard. Its secretary, Porn Panpeng — a former temple committee member — dismissed the general’s statement: “In 2022 and 2023 investigations were already carried out under General Jarungkiet’s own supervision. All documents were submitted, and no wrongdoing was found.”
Double audit: Records declared clean
Porn emphasized that a special committee of local leaders, established last year at Jarungkiet’s own request, combed through the accounts. Their conclusion: the foundation’s finances, donations, and even sacred items were fully documented. “No irregularities were discovered,” Porn said. Afterward, the temple hosted unity ceremonies to close the matter peacefully.
The foundation also highlighted its independent legal status: only it has the right to file official complaints. Porn questioned whether the general even had grounds to revive the allegations. He further hinted that the accuser himself might have fallen short of his own duties regarding the care of temple relics.
Temple continues to grow amid storm
Despite the scandal, Wat Bang Klan continues to attract worshippers seeking blessings from the revered monk Luang Por Ngern. Donations flow in from across the country, a testament to the temple’s deep spiritual significance.
Yet the stakes are high: if mismanagement were proven, it would not only undermine legal credibility but also erode the moral trust of Thailand’s Buddhist faithful.
To end the controversy once and for all, the foundation has called for a third, fully independent audit — this time by international accounting experts. Their goal: to restore confidence in the temple’s finances and protect the legacy of Luang Por Ngern.