Raid on 4 Sites of 'Wat Pa Chana Chai': Over 2,000 Rai of Land Cleared, Investigation Underway

A joint task force including central investigation police, forestry officials, National Buddhism Office, and anti-corruption agencies executed search warrants at four locations of Wat Pa Chana Chai in Saraburi Province. The raid followed allegations of Buddhist monks illegally occupying agricultural reform land and buying up over 2,000 rai from local residents. The four sites included the temple grounds, a development called 'Ariya Village' preparing to sell meditation houses, an international meditation center, and a location preparing to build a large Buddha statue. Authorities found extensive land clearing, infrastructure preparation, and unauthorized construction. The temple, established in 2023, was operating without proper permissions and had only 13 monks and 23 mae chee (female renunciants). The primary figure, Khru Ba Chai Watthana, was not present during the raid, with his lawyer claiming he was on a religious invitation in Ubon Ratchathani. Police Lieutenant General Anek revealed that the temple had illegally occupied 13 land plots totaling over 2,000 rai. Authorities plan to file criminal charges and investigate the financial sources behind the construction and development.