Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a significant shift following a financial scandal, around 200 HIV patients from Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu hospice in Lop Buri, Thailand are set to be transferred to the state public health system. This decision emerges after donations to the hospice plummeted to near zero, a consequence of the scandal linked to former abbot Luang Phor Alongkot.

 

Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu gained national and international acclaim since its inception in 1992, largely due to the efforts of Phra Alongkot. The hospice was a symbol of hope and care for HIV patients, thriving on generous donations that reached millions of baht each month. However, the narrative took a dark turn last month when Alongkot was arrested alongside his influencer aide, “Mor Bee”, on charges of embezzlement and money laundering. The arrest has deeply shaken the faith of Buddhist believers and supporters, leading to a dramatic withdrawal of public funds.

 

The fallout from the scandal has left the hospice in dire straits, with reports revealing that some days have passed without a single baht donated. This financial drought compelled authorities and monks to seek immediate solutions to ensure the welfare of the patients.

 

On Thursday, Lop Buri's deputy governor Pratchaya Pepatung convened a crucial meeting at the temple. The aim was to secure continued, adequate care for the patients, now to be provided by state-run facilities and foundations. This strategy requires time to ensure patients are fully informed and prepared for the transition. Mr. Pratchaya confirmed that all decisions were made collaboratively with input from temple monks and other involved agencies.

 

The transition plan categorises patients based on their care needs. Patients who are self-sufficient will be managed by various foundations, whereas the 13 bedridden or highly dependent patients will be relocated to care facilities run by four designated foundations. The temple’s extended project, Thammarak Nivet 2, will fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Health and Social Development and Human Security ministries.

 

Mr. Pratchaya reassured that the transfer process will be handled with utmost care to ensure patients understand the changes and receive the necessary medical guidance. Additionally, support to alleviate the hospice’s current challenges has begun, marked by a recent 500-kilogram rice donation from the Lop Buri Relief Foundation Committee.

 

 

The police are intensifying their investigation with the intent to conclude before the upcoming meeting of the new Centre for the Protection and Promotion of Buddhism. This scandal underscores the fragile relationship between religious institutions and public trust, highlighting the far-reaching ramifications of misconduct.

 

As authorities work to unravel the complexities of the embezzlement case, the immediate focus remains on safeguarding the lives and well-being of the HIV patients affected by the scandal. While the transfer to state care aims to stabilise their current situation, the long-term impact on public trust and charitable contributions to religious and humanitarian causes in Thailand remains to be seen.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-05

 

 

Millions of bht per month in donations yet the funds available for hospice care are all gone within a month of the scandal being exposed. Something is absolutely rotten with the way hospice funds have suddenly disappeared.

"Centre of Hope"   great name, fooled everyone.

1 hour ago, edwinchester said:

Millions of bht per month in donations yet the funds available for hospice care are all gone within a month of the scandal being exposed. Something is absolutely rotten with the way hospice funds have suddenly disappeared.

And HIV medicine is free in a Thailand. Go figure 

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

"Centre of Hope"   great name, fooled everyone.

Name will now be changed to 'Abandon hope all ye who enter here'

47 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

Name will now be changed to 'Abandon hope all ye who enter here'

Bob hope and No hope... one has left town