Lop buri: The lawyers for Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu Temple have come forward to clarify the situation surrounding the alleged use of a deceased person’s ID card by the temple’s abbot, Luang Por Alongkot. The temple held a press conference to address the issue, stating that the ID card number of Luang Por Alongkot does not match that of the deceased civil servant, Alongkot Pholmuk. The temple opted not to comment on the deceased’s ID card being linked to the foundation’s PromptPay account, indicating that this would require further investigation. Legal proceedings are anticipated to escalate next week, with multiple individuals potentially facing prosecution.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Supachai Singkhalawanich, head of the temple’s legal team, and representatives from various associated foundations, clarified that Luang Por Alongkot had not been avoiding interviews but was rather cautious due to the complexity of legal issues involved. Supachai emphasized Luang Por Alongkot’s genuine intentions to assist vulnerable groups in society and highlighted misunderstandings perpetuated by misleading media narratives.
The legal team addressed the controversy regarding the use of the deceased’s ID card, confirming that Luang Por Alongkot possesses his own ID card with the surname “Pholmuk,” as validated by the Ministry of Interior. They speculate that the confusion may have arisen with the monk’s ordination certificate, which bore the surname and ID card number of the late Alongkot Pholmuk.
The temple has yet to verify the connection between the deceased Mr. Alongkot’s national ID card and the PromptPay account of the Athon Prachanath Fund. The legal team plans a thorough investigation and assures future responses to media inquiries.
Chalermpol Pholmuk, president of the Thammarak Foundation, acknowledged his relation to the late Mr. Alongkot Pholmuk, a civil servant from Pak Hai District. The situation had prompted questions among relatives about a potential connection to Luang Por Alongkot. However, Chalermpol stated that neither he nor his relatives had directly asked the monk about his personal details or investigated the relationship. The Department of Provincial Administration confirmed the distinct national ID numbers of the two individuals.
Chalermpol admitted to never questioning the monk about the ID card number on his certificate matching his relative’s. He suggested that media outlets should direct such inquiries to the monk.
Police Colonel Anek Taosuphap, Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, disclosed that the collection of evidence is ongoing and anticipates the prosecution of multiple individuals. However, he refrained from naming involved parties, citing potential risks.
A senior source at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) reported that the investigation is over 70% complete, with clarifications expected soon. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, authorities emphasize meticulous evidence collection for fairness and accuracy.
Officials are also examining the revelation of the name and national ID number of Phra Ratchawisutthiprachanath, or Luang Por Alongkot, the former abbot. If another individual’s details were used, it would constitute a legal violation, pending confirmation of the facts.