Ex-Abbot Nabbed for Identity Theft & Fraud in Temple Scandal

Photo via ThaiRath

In a startling turn of events, Kriangkrai “George” Phetkaew, formerly an abbot at Phra Bat Nampu Temple, has confessed to stealing a friend's identity to dodge military conscription and facilitate illegal work in Malaysia. The plot thickened when authorities linked him to embezzlement of temple donations.

Arrested yesterday by the Crime Suppression Division and the Central Investigation Bureau, Kriangkrai had been masquerading as Alongkot Ponmuk. Alongside him, spiritual medium Sakesan “Bee” Subsuebsakun was taken into custody, both implicated in the mismanagement of charitable funds.

This scandal, initially uncovered by a Channel 3 news investigation, revealed Kriangkrai's use of Alongkot's identification for his financial dealings. The ex-abbot had been under suspicion for utilising the stolen identity to avoid military service, a charge he eventually confessed to, though he firmly denied any misuse of donations intended for AIDS patients.

Born in 1960 in Khon Kaen, Kriangkrai described a checkered past including failed academic pursuits and evasion of military duties in 1981. Claiming a background in design, he asserted involvement in the creation of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers during his time in Malaysia—a claim that stretches credulity given the timeline.

Returning to Thailand with a Buddhist pilgrimage in 1986, he entered the monkhood and began residing at Phra Bat Nampu Temple under Alongkot's identity, maintaining this facade to avert repercussions for his draft evasion.

In the aftermath of his arrest, Alongkot’s family publicly distanced themselves from Kriangkrai, expressing shock and pursuing legal action against him for document forgery. Alongkot’s son emphasised the family’s lack of any involvement in the dubious donation campaigns.

As reported by ThaiRath, Sakesan “Bee” Subsuebsakun, the spiritual medium, also denied the allegations during interrogations which stretched into the early morning hours. Both suspects have refrained from engaging with the press, their demeanour reflective of the intense scrutiny.

The legal proceedings continue, with authorities determined to unravel the full extent of the fraudulent networks and the misuse of identity that have tarnished the reputation of a once-respected religious figure. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains not only on justice for the victims but also on ensuring stricter safeguards within religious institutions to prevent future exploitation.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-27