Government Rushes Online Database for Temples and Monks
Thailand's government is racing to complete a digital database of monks and temples to combat financial misconduct, after recent scandals involving diverted temple funds. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband said 89 percent of monks are
On September 14, the Senate held a session chaired by General Kriangsak Srirak, First Deputy President of the Senate. Senator Parinya Wongchetkwan raised questions about a second crisis of faith in Buddhism following the Somchai-Seekai scandal at Buddhawat Phutthaditthayawan Temple in Ayutthaya province, where temple funds were allegedly diverted to acquaintances of the accused monks. Parinya questioned the oversight and auditing role of the National Office of Buddhism, particularly regarding transparent monitoring of donations and concerns about foreign and Burmese monks exploiting Thailand. He noted that similar problems had recurred despite the government's previous commitments.
Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband, overseeing the National Office of Buddhism, explained that as a Buddhist and temple child himself, he felt equally troubled by these incidents. He outlined efforts to create a central database of monks, with 180,000 of 200,000 monks currently registered, representing 89 percent completion, expected to finish within the year.
Regarding temples, Pakorn noted there are 44,000 temples nationwide. A comprehensive database is being developed to manage temple records, religious assets, and central religious property through digital and online systems. For temple accounts, an electronic format will be linked to the central system for National Office of Buddhism oversight. Currently processed manually with monthly checks, the e-donation system covers 42,000 of 44,000 temples and is being accelerated. When donations flow through the online system, monitoring and auditing becomes easier, Pakorn said.
On commercialized Buddhism, Pakorn acknowledged the challenge of preventing individuals from exploiting auspicious object donations for personal gain. He proposed that if donors contribute through temple accounts with established e-donation systems, with no alternative benefits or private arrangements, it becomes traceable and preventive. The Mahasangha has mandated that accounts be opened only by abbots or designated administrators, but the lack of online integration currently complicates oversight. Pakorn committed to making the system fully electronic, requiring temples to remain transparent with monthly account submissions to provincial National Office of Buddhism offices. He noted that misconduct by certain monks must be separated from Buddhism itself.
