Famous Amulet Devotee Questions Police Over Foundation Probe

Somchai Ngiangam, known as Paeng Suphan, a prominent amulet devotee, appeared at the Central Investigation Police Bureau on September 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. to give a witness statement regarding his name appearing as a board member of the Wan Choti Foundation, established by Atichote Tannprasert, former abbot of Phutthai Sawai Temple.

Upon arrival, Paeng Suphan greeted reporters and explained he was appearing as a witness after his name was listed as one of the foundation's founding board members. He brought documents related to merit-making activities and Buddha image casting projects, emphasizing that he coordinated designs, handled publicity, and conducted ceremonies without ever handling fund disbursement. "We make merit without seeking reward, we give merit not money," he stated.

When asked if he was merely a board member with no involvement in fund withdrawals, Paeng Suphan confirmed he was a faithful devotee and disciple who participated in merit-making. He said the former abbot had asked him to join the board out of faith, and he agreed because he saw the foundation as beneficial. He maintained that financial management was the responsibility of the abbot, secretary, and other designated committee members. According to his knowledge, 20 million baht was transferred to the foundation, with some used to purchase medical equipment and rice for locals, though no board meetings were ever held since its establishment.

Paeng Suphan expressed sadness and emotional distress following the abbot's arrest, saying he had remained silent previously to avoid damaging Buddhism. He disclosed his devotion began 10 years ago when visiting the abbot at Khao Ta Ngao Temple in Chaiyaphum Province, where he met the late revered monk Luang Pu Chue. He stated he visits to pay respects at the temple on Thursdays to the principal Buddha image, the Luang Phor Chatukhram amulet, and denied involvement in creating amulets. He promised to provide further clarification about the gold offerings soon and emphasized he was not hiding anything.

Paeng Suphan stressed he appeared as a witness, not as a suspect, to provide information and evidence to support the police investigation. He noted that as a founding board member, he was appearing after nearly all other board members had already cooperated. He added that although the Luang Phor Chatukhram amulet was created in 2006, he began visiting the temple in 2008 before ordaining there in 2016.