Monk Luang Phor Alongkot, also known as Wisutthiprachanat, was arrested on 25/8 on charges of embezzlement, negligence, and money laundering.
Alongkot was the abbot of Wat Phra Bat Namphu temple in Lopburi province, central Thailand. He was known for establishing an HIV/AIDS care center within the temple grounds in 1992, accepting AIDS patients ostracized by their families.
The 65-year-old monk was defrocked before being taken to the Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Bangkok and charged. A second suspect, Seksan Sapsubbsakul, who was in charge of fundraising for the HIV/AIDS care center, was also arrested.
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Alongkot (in white) speaks with police in Bangkok on 26/8. Photo: BP |
Alongkot (in white) speaks with police in Bangkok on 26/8. Photo: BP
Alongkot denied all charges. Last week, he resigned as abbot of Wat Phra Bat Namphu temple after weeks of suspicion regarding mismanagement of donations intended for patient care.
Jaroonkiat Pankaew, an official with the Central Investigation Bureau, said the investigation is ongoing and Alongkot is cooperating with the police.
Alongkot's center was considered a pioneering humanitarian project when it was established, but its role diminished after the advent of effective HIV/AIDS medications.
He later expanded the facilities to treat people with other serious illnesses. The temple also runs several charitable funds, sponsoring education for disadvantaged children.
Duc Trung (According to AP, Bangkok Post)
