Buddhist Monk Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement of Donations to HIV/Aids Hospice
In a shocking turn of events, Luang Phor Alongkot, a Buddhist monk known for setting up a hospice in Thailand for people with HIV/Aids, has been arrested for alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the care home.
The 65-year-old monk was taken into custody on Tuesday at his temple in the central province of Lopburi, vehemently denying any wrongdoing.
Luang Phor Alongkot, the abbot of Wat Phrabatnampu temple, gained recognition for establishing the HIV/Aids hospice back in 1992, showcasing his humanitarian efforts. The facility not only caters to individuals with HIV/Aids but also accommodates patients with other illnesses while providing education for their children.
Furthermore, authorities also apprehended Seksan Sapsubbsakul, an influencer who had played a role in raising funds for the temple.
The investigation into the alleged misuse of temple donations initially focused on Seksan but eventually expanded to include Luang Phor Alongkot.
Amid swirling rumors of mismanaged donations, Alongkot voluntarily resigned from his position last week, as reported by local media outlets.
Deputy Commissioner Jaroonkiat Pankaew of Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau stated that Alongkot “cooperated well with the police and was willing to be disrobed without force,” according to the AP news agency.
It is worth noting that monks must disrobe before facing charges under Thai law.
While monks are held in high esteem in Thailand, where the majority of the population identifies as Buddhist, instances of monks engaging in unlawful activities or violating the monastic code have been on the rise.
The Buddhist institution in Thailand has been marred by reports of monks breaking their vow of celibacy, involvement in drug trafficking, and financial crimes.
Notably, in July, the police established a hotline for individuals to report “misbehaving monks” following revelations that at least nine monks had engaged in sexual activities with a woman who subsequently blackmailed them with incriminating photos and videos.
In a separate incident in 2017, a prominent Thai monk garnered international attention when he faced charges related to sex offenses, fraud, and money laundering. — BBC
