Temple Lawyer Challenges Ex-Chief Over Missing 114 Million Baht

The lawyer for Wat Phra That Phanom has pushed back against former That Phanom District Chief Jakraphong Pathumkaiya, who also previously served as the temple's vice-abbot. Jakraphong posted on his personal Facebook page alleging that out of 114 million baht, the temple funds have almost disappeared after two years. He questioned how the money was managed, noting the last lump sum went to pay water and electricity bills but was even withdrawn from that purpose. He stated he decided to post because he was truly worried for the temple before nothing remains. Jakraphong also challenged the temple to hold a press conference to reveal how much money remains, emphasizing that temple funds come from public donations.

After the post went viral and drew many comments, on October 30, 2026, Naphon Sapsit, the lawyer for Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan in Nakhon Phanom, disclosed that the temple has multiple committees overseeing different areas such as finance, general affairs, security, and legal matters. Each committee operates within its mandated scope as temple committee members, overseeing all legal matters related to the temple and reviewing overall operations against regulations.

Naphon said he has only held this position for about four months and only knows the current committee's operations. The previous committee, under the former district chief, served for one to two years, and he is unaware of how they managed finances. The temple's main income comes from devotees visiting to pay respects to Phra That Phanom and making daily donations. These donations are deposited into temple accounts daily, with evening verification of the day's collection totals.

The committees' duty is only to deposit money into the temple's four to five accounts, but they have no authority to spend it. Even if the committee resolves to spend on a certain matter, they cannot withdraw funds without the abbot's approval. A resolution must be presented to the abbot for his opinion, and only if he approves can disbursement proceed. Withdrawals require two of the four authorized signatories on the accounts.

Regarding the 114 million baht Jakraphong mentioned, Naphon said he must ask which account that money came from among the temple's four to five accounts. He acknowledged there is a reserve portion kept for expenses like utility bills, but he has no knowledge of the 30 million baht Jakraphong also cited.

Naphon added that Jakraphong must answer how he managed funds during his term, which ended four to five months ago. He does not know whether Jakraphong's motives stem from disappointment at not being reappointed. Wat Phra That Phanom is a highly revered temple attracting many devotees, and many parties want to serve there. Those who didn't get the chance may be dissatisfied and believe they could do better.

Jakraphong must prove where the claimed 114 million baht originated and which account it resides in. The current committee operates strictly within regulatory and legal frameworks, exercising extreme caution in all expenditures, as committee members are accountable for every transaction.