BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai police recovered more than 10 billion Baht stolen from temple donations originally intended for an AIDS hospice at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) detailed the seizure after months of investigation into what has become one of Thailand’s most extensive religious fraud cases.
Massive Seizure of Assets
Officials from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirmed on Monday that they confiscated over 10 billion Baht, 7,200 Rai (2,840 hectares) of land, and nearly 60 vehicles purchased with the misused charity funds distributed through the temple network in Lopburi province.
“Over 10 billion Baht were recovered,”
said CIB spokesperson.
The items were bought using donations collected to fund care for AIDS patients, according to CIB reports shared in Bangkok. The temple had been internationally recognized for providing medical and social assistance to those living with the disease.
Ongoing Investigation and Remaining Funds
Authorities said approximately 200 million Baht remained missing, and further searches were taking place across central Thailand to trace accounts linked to the suspects.
“Return the funds immediately – or we will act,”
said CIB officers in their final warning announced on Tuesday.
The Central Investigation Bureau plans to hand over all evidence and seized items to the Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu Foundation for review before launching civil lawsuits aimed at reclaiming the outstanding amount.
“We will recover every stolen Baht,”
said CIB spokesperson in Bangkok.
Arrests and Criminal Proceedings
In August, police detained the former abbot of Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu and a self-proclaimed spiritual influencer accused of systematically diverting financial and land donations over several years. Both now face prosecution under Thai criminal law.
The Central Investigation Bureau confirmed that the accused individuals transferred temple-owned assets to private companies and purchased expensive vehicles with charity money.
Public Outrage and Institutional Response
The revelation provoked intense anger throughout Thailand. Local donors in Lopburi and surrounding provinces expressed dismay at the misuse of what they believed were charitable contributions for the sick.
“This is theft from the poorest of the poor,”
said a local Thai resident interviewed at the scene.
Representatives of the AIDS hospice stated that rebuilding trust among Thailand’s Buddhist community would be difficult after the scandal. Police assured full transparency during judicial proceedings.
Legal and Financial Consequences
The accused parties now face combined criminal and civil sanctions. Investigators from the CIB Financial Crime Division confirmed that lawsuits would be filed to reclaim ill-gotten assets and to secure restitution for the hospice.
“We will use every legal tool available,”
said temple representatives in a statement delivered in Bangkok.
According to the CIB, confiscated property—including real estate, vehicles, and accounts—will be reallocated to fund patient support programs under the supervision of state auditors.
Key Facts Released by CIB
– Total amount seized: 10 billion Baht (approx. USD 270 million)
– Additional assets missing: 200 million Baht
– Land recovered: 7,200 Rai (about 2,840 hectares)
– Vehicles seized: 57
– Arrests made: 2 primary suspects (former abbot and spiritual figure)
– Location of investigation: Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, Lopburi province
The Central Investigation Bureau pledged continued efforts to locate the remaining funds and to ensure that all donations return to the intended medical causes.