Prominent Buddha Amulet Trader Denies Role in Foundation Scandal
A prominent Buddha amulet trader denied involvement in a temple foundation scandal during a police investigation in Ayutthaya, claiming he lacks authority over fund disbursements and the money remains intact.
Somchai Ngiam, a well-known Buddha amulet trader known as Pong Suphon, was scheduled on September 22, 2569, to provide a statement to investigators from the Suppression Operations Division at the Central Police Investigation Division's complaint center at 09:00. However, he did not appear at the appointed time, prompting authorities to contact him directly.
When reached, Pong Suphon disclosed that five of seven foundation board members had already given statements, leaving himself and one other person remaining. He emphasized that he holds no authority to authorize fund disbursements, stating that only three people—the former abbot, the secretary, and one other board member—possess such power. He confirmed that the foundation's money remains intact and has not disappeared. Pong Suphon acknowledged his long-standing devotion and support for the temple but expressed feeling deeply disappointed and hurt by the events that have unfolded.
Police Brigadier General Pattanasak Bubphasuwon, commander of the Suppression Operations Division, revealed that investigators summoned Somchai Ngiam as a witness because his name appears as a board member of the Wan Choti Foundation, established by Somichoti, the former abbot of Wat Phuthai Sawan in Ayutthaya. The foundation was registered in 2568, and given the broad scope of its temple oversight duties, his testimony was deemed necessary.
Initially, investigators found that the foundation has seven board members, five of whom have been questioned and provided useful information to the case. Police confirmed they have data regarding the foundation's finances but declined to disclose specific details.
