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Buddhist temples in Thailand have amassed an impressive 410 billion baht in savings across roughly 39,000 bank accounts, according to recent data from the Bank of Thailand and the National Office of Buddhism (NOB). This revelation comes amidst a high-profile embezzlement investigation involving former senior monks. 

 

The scrutiny of temple finances intensified after it was revealed that several monks were embroiled in a scandal involving a woman identified only as Golf. These monks have since left the monkhood following the scandal reaching headlines. Authorities suspect they may have misappropriated temple funds to finance their connection with the woman.

 

Under NOB guidelines, temple funds are meant to be strictly used for purposes related to the temple, such as maintenance, education, and religious ceremonies. Abbots are explicitly forbidden from using these finances for personal benefits. To ensure transparency and proper governance, abbots can appoint a management committee to oversee financial decisions.

 

The NOB is empowered to investigate any financial irregularities when complaints arise, scrutinising the accounts and expenditures of the temples involved. The current probe aims to ensure that the temple funds have been utilised appropriately, in line with the regulations.

 

As the investigation unfolds, the public remains watchful, eager to see how the NOB will address any financial misconduct among its religious leaders. With such substantial sums at stake, the outcome of this investigation could have significant ramifications for how temple finances are managed and scrutinised in the future.

 

The controversy underscores the need for rigorous oversight in managing temple assets, ensuring they serve the purpose for which they are intended—aiding religious activities and education, rather than personal enrichment.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-07-14

 

 

Not surprised, our local village (pop 1700) has built a new temple, crematorium, monk accommodation and village sala with funds raised over the years thru social activities. AND has a healthy bank account.

Why I know this?. TW is the accounts manager for them and holds their ATM card. AND NO, she does not profit from it. She has other positions where she gets her graft and corruption!!

The Buddha would be so proud. 

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Buddhist temples in Thailand have amassed an impressive 410 billion baht in savings across roughly 39,000 bank accounts, according to recent data from the Bank of Thailand and the National Office of Buddhism (NOB). This revelation comes amidst a high-profile embezzlement investigation involving former senior monks. 

Best ponzi scheme in Thailand...

Money, religion and believing masses. 

 

The perfect corruption cocktail. 

This is not news. This is endemic within many temples  

The monkhood is riddled with a lot of shady characters gathering wealth for themselves. It’s a haven for crims. 

I think the investigation should be about why the temples in Thailand are that wealthy.

That's an outrage!

But don't give to street beggars, they might be working for crooks?

Absolutely not surprised! 

Amazing how god's need your money so much more than you do 🙄

The Men of the Cloth and their ill-gotten wealth being splurged for Earthly benefits and likings. Not much different to the Catholics - me thinks 

7 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Best ponzi scheme in Thailand...

How is it a Ponzi scheme?

 

perhaps you should check your definitions

So much for karma with the monk mafia...

 

A shameful episode in the history of Bhuddist philosophy.

I'm quite sure that most of the money was donated by the poorer segment of Thai society. I also suspect that the upper echelons of Thai society have put considerable effort into keeping the lower classes uneducated. I mean, they seriously discuss ghosts on Thai TV.

38 minutes ago, madone said:

How is it a Ponzi scheme?

 

perhaps you should check your definitions

Perhaps you should use some lateral thinking

On 7/15/2025 at 6:30 PM, Sydebolle said:

The Men of the Cloth and their ill-gotten wealth being splurged for Earthly benefits and likings. Not much different to the Catholics - me thinks 

Totally agree.

The monks are into a Ponzi scheme and it's so obvious. "Money, money, money.It's a rich monk's world". As far as the Catholic church is concerned it's, "children, children, children. It's a paedophiles world" 

What a world we live in. No wonder I am an Atheist!