Lawyer Challenges 40 Million Baht Temple Donation Probe
A lawyer defending a monk challenges allegations in a 40-million-baht temple donation case in Khon Kaen, arguing the accused lacks the official status required for criminal charges and questioning how investigation documents leaked to media
Lawyer Ananchai Chaiyadet, chairman of the Dharma Army Foundation, addressed the controversy surrounding a 40-million-baht temple donation case at a press conference on September 16, 2025, held at Wat Pa Adulyaram in Khon Kaen province. The case centers on allegations involving Phra Maha Theeranath, listed as abbot of Wat Pa Phu Phasai, and disputed donation funds. Ananchai emphasized that Phra Maha Theeranath lacks official government employee status, serving instead as chairman of a monastic residence, which means criminal law Article 147 does not apply to him.
Ananchai clarified that Phra Brahmadhatu Chedi Sri Phu Phasai and Wat Pa Phu Phasai are separate entities. Wat Pa Phu Phasai has Phra Somyote as its official abbot with government employee status. Therefore, if any wrongdoing occurred, it must be investigated in connection with Phra Somyote, not Phra Maha Theeranath. Previous attempts to pursue this matter have failed approximately four times, and Ananchai suggested the current effort appears designed to implicate Phra Somyote alongside Phra Maha Theeranath, alongside construction issues involving the temple, monastic offices, and 11 additional monastic residences.
The area in question was historically barren mountaintop land that Phra Maha Theeranath rehabilitated by planting trees, transforming it into a lush and beautiful forest. Ananchai outlined standard legal procedures: investigators have 30 days to gather preliminary evidence before submitting the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for review.
Ananchai challenged earlier statements made by police leadership regarding the case timeline, noting that preliminary investigation does not confirm the strength of evidence. He raised critical questions about how investigation documents leaked to the media, particularly given that investigation records remain under police custody. He questioned how an outsider could access files reportedly obtained from police before the case was forwarded to the NACC. Ananchai emphasized that officials responsible must answer publicly how documents with clear timestamps reached the media outlet involved, demanding investigation into the source and process of document disclosure.
