Report Foreign Volunteer Claims Death Threats at Lopburi AIDS Temple

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Picture courtesy of CHANNEL8

 

A former foreign volunteer at Lopburi’s Phra Bat Nampu Temple claims her life was endangered after aiding AIDS patients. She alleges that improving patient health led to fewer donations, provoking a sinister backlash.

 

The temple, helmed by Abbot Alongkot Ponlamun, is under the spotlight. Instead of receiving praise for patient support, the temple is now facing allegations of fraud and mismanagement. Tensions rose when spiritual medium Bee "the Ghost Ambassador" was accused of stealing donations, triggering a wider investigation into the temple's dealings.

 

The investigation covers financial irregularities, dubious land ownership, and the management of donations, despite Bee's denial of any wrongdoing. The temple or its AIDS organisation intended to acquire the land with donated money, but the late manager's family now owns it. Donated items, meant for patients, were also found neglected.

 

These revelations sparked anger over how funds and resources were handled. The controversy gained traction after Dr. Manoon Leechawengwongs highlighted a story from the Bangkok Post, sharing details from a former volunteer named Leslie.

 

Leslie began volunteering in 2003, performing medical duties and purchasing supplies with her funds. Under pressure from the temple, her team was stopped from administering medication sourced by Dr. Jurirat Bowornwattanawong, aiming to maintain patient health.

 

Eventually, Leslie and other volunteers were barred from the premises, with Leslie reporting threats, including damage to her motorcycle. She believed their work, which made patients healthier, reduced sympathy-driven donations.

 

Dr. Jurirat corroborated Leslie's story, noting coercion from Abbot Alongkot to pause medication for media appearances, which she refused, citing patient welfare concerns. She acknowledged her limited awareness, learning of the troubles only after volunteers left.

 

Abbot Alongkot has since resigned amidst intensifying scrutiny but remains liable for potential legal charges. The quest to uncover the temple's fiscal misdealing, including Bee's alleged embezzlement, is ongoing, with no legal outcomes yet finalised.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-21