Luang Por Alongkot steps down as Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu abbot

Abbot resigns amid donation scandal

Luang Por Alongkot, once hailed as a saint for HIV/AIDS patients, announced his resignation as the abbot of Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu in Lop Buri on Monday. The decision follows growing controversies over the temple’s handling of public donations and allegations of financial irregularities.

Phra Rat Wisutthi Prachanat, widely known as Luang Por Alongkot, officially resigned from his position at 1 pm. On Sunday, the temple remained open to tourists for its exhibition of charity activities, but the abbot did not appear to greet visitors as he usually does.

Media pressure and postponed press conference

An army of reporters gathered at the temple on Sunday amid speculation that a press conference would be held to address the allegations. However, Somporn Somakeng, the lay manager of the temple’s assets, said the abbot had postponed the press briefing. He explained that Luang Por Alongkot had only just formed a team of lawyers to prepare evidence to defend the temple.

From revered monk to figure of controversy

Phra Alongkot Tikkapanyo, who founded the HIV/AIDS hospice, was once seen as a victim of alleged fraud. However, he is now under scrutiny himself after investigators found financial records bearing his signature. The monk admitted he may have been “too trusting” of his former assistant.

The scandal has also revived long-standing criticisms, including claims that patients were deliberately kept in poor conditions to generate sympathy and boost donations.

Donation scandal linked to spiritual medium

The controversy stems from suspicions that Seksan “Mor Bee” Sapsubbsakul, a well-known spiritual medium, misused or embezzled donations. Seksan had volunteered at the temple and, in 2019, was granted permission to open a donation account under the name Jaifa Arthornprachanat to support the temple’s AIDS charities.

However, investigators later found that donations were withdrawn in cash instead of being directly transferred to the temple’s account. The Crime Suppression Division reported that the cash withdrawn was often higher than the amounts handed over to the temple.

Seksan claimed he withdrew funds at the abbot’s request, while Luang Por Alongkot insisted it was Seksan’s own initiative. Public suspicion deepened after it emerged that Seksan purchased a luxury home in 2021.

Land purchase raises further suspicion

A second major issue involves the temple’s alleged purchase of more than 760 acres of land using donated funds. The land was not registered under the temple or its foundation but under the name of a private individual—a relative of the temple’s late former manager.

Although the person in whose name the land is registered has expressed willingness to transfer it back, the revelation has raised serious public concerns over the misuse of charitable donations.

Legacy of compassion and criticism

In the early years of the HIV/AIDS crisis, when patients were abandoned by families and hospitals, Luang Por Alongkot transformed Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu into a sanctuary. His compassionate work gave thousands of patients dignity in their final days and care for orphans of AIDS victims, earning him national and international praise.

However, criticism grew over the years. Some former volunteers and medical staff claimed the temple resisted modern treatments such as antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Others accused the temple of keeping patients in poor conditions to attract sympathy and donations. The practice of displaying mummified corpses and bones of deceased patients also drew condemnation as being exploitative.

Donations decline as scandals deepen

The recent scandals have caused widespread public disillusionment and led to a sharp decline in donations. Once celebrated as a beacon of compassion, Luang Por Alongkot now finds his reputation overshadowed by allegations of mismanagement and controversy.