Thai abbot disappears from temple with more than 4.7 million baht

A Thai abbot belonging to a temple in the central province of Suphan Buri has disappeared, taking with him a sum of 717,186 baht contributed by local donors and over 4 million baht borrowed from nearly 40 individuals in the temple’s vicinity.

The temple’s finance officer, 70 year old Chalong Wongchan, filed a complaint with the Mueang Suphan Buri Police Station officers on November 20. According to Chalong, the abbot left the temple on November 17, saying that he would deposit the 717,186 baht donated by locals on November 12 into the temple’s bank account.

However, the abbot failed to return to the temple, and upon inspection, Chalong discovered that the promised funds were not deposited into the bank account. Despite attempting to contact the abbot, Chalong was unsuccessful in reaching him.

Not only did the donated money disappear, but 290,000 baht was also withdrawn from the account on November 13, and 5,000 baht more was withdrawn on November 14 leaving the temple with only 260 baht left in their personal account.

Chalong also revealed that the abbot had borrowed 60,000 baht before his disappearance. The abbot said he needed the money for his relative who faced a financial issue. The abbot also borrowed money from nearly 40 locals living near the temple, amounting to over 4 million baht.

Chalong stated that he had never expected that the abbot would do this. The abbot was about 30 years old and a good leader in many people’s eyes. He had been working hard for the temple and the community.

Locals ready to forgive

One resident, 58 year old Laphatsawat Apitphattarawasu, told Channel 3 that he was shocked upon learning about the abbot’s disappearance. Describing the abbot as a good monk, he highlighted the positive impact the abbot had on both the temple and the surrounding community. Additionally, the abbot had constructed a public library for residents, earning widespread love and respect.

Laphatsawat disclosed that the abbot had never shared his personal or financial concerns with anyone before. Although feeling disappointed, Laphatsawat remained optimistic, believing that the abbot would return in the next few days. He was confident that the community still desired the abbot’s return to resume his previous responsibilities at the temple.

Some locals who worked closely with the abbot revealed that he had expressed feeling stressed but did not disclose the specific reasons behind his stress. According to them, the abbot had conveyed his intention to seek tranquil places for a four to five-day meditation retreat before temporarily disappearing.

Expressing concern, community members urged the police to initiate a search for the abbot. Their objective was to ascertain whether the allegations of theft were valid or if the abbot had encountered any perilous situations.