Famous Amulet Collector Explains Gold Donation to Temple Foundation
Amulet collector Pong Suphan told investigators his gold donation to a temple foundation was merit-making, not misappropriation, and that he has no authority over the foundation's finances. He donated one kilogram of gold toward covering a
Somchai Ngamngam, known as Pong Suphan, a famous amulet collector, met with investigators from the Central Investigation Bureau's suppression division on September 22, 2025, to clarify his role as a board member of the Wan Choti Foundation. He explained that he has no authority to authorize fund disbursements, which rests with three people: the former abbot's mother, a secretary, and a treasurer. He denied involvement in the foundation's finances and confirmed he never took temple funds, only donated money as merit-making.
Regarding one kilogram of gold he donated, Pong Suphan stated it was intended to cover a statue of Jatukam Ramathep at the temple, which he visits every Thursday for blessings. He explained that craftsmen estimated nine kilograms would be needed for the complete covering, and he contributed one kilogram as a devotee. About two kilograms remain with the craftsmen for processing.
Pong Suphan expressed his wish that future abbots would restore rather than demolish the Jatukam Ramathep statue, allowing devotees to continue making merit. He recalled that the late abbot had stated he would not use temple funds for construction, noting that temple accounts contained approximately 26 million baht. He acknowledged the failed temple renovation project and apologized to those he had invited to contribute, saying he had genuine faith but was deceived. He emphasized the need to distinguish between sincere faith and deception, expressing deep regret over what had transpired.
