Pictures courtesy of Matichon

 

Prosecutors and police took custody of Mr. Nopparat Benjawattananon, on 28 September 2025, the former director of the Office of Buddhism, after his extradition from the United States. He is accused of corruption in the so-called “temple fund scandal” involving the misappropriation of state subsidies for the restoration and development of more than 65 temples. Mr. Nopparat is due to be formally charged at the Bangkok Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct on 29 September 2025.

 

The case originated in 2023 when the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled that Mr. Nopparat and associates abused their official powers to divert funds allocated to temples, including Phananchoeng Worawihan Temple and others, for personal gain. The alleged misconduct damaged public trust in Buddhism and undermined national integrity. The Supreme Prosecutor’s Office subsequently ordered charges, but Mr. Nopparat fled to the United States, prompting an arrest warrant from the Anti-Corruption Court Region 7.

 

The Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office coordinated closely with the US Department of Justice, maintaining continuous legal communication to validate Thailand’s extradition request. By mid-September 2025, the US government approved his return. On 27 September, representatives from the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office, the Royal Thai Police and the NACC travelled to the United States to receive Mr. Nopparat, completing his transfer into Thai custody. This step reflects strong bilateral cooperation in pursuing fugitives involved in serious crimes.

 

Officials expressed gratitude to those involved in the process, including prosecutors from Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General, the Eastern District of Texas, the US Department of Justice, US Marshals and related international legal teams. This successful extradition underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.

 

Authorities will proceed with formal charges against Mr. Nopparat and continue investigations into other suspects linked to the scandal. The case is expected to proceed swiftly, with close public attention due to its high-profile nature and potential implications for transparency in state fund management.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Mr. Nopparat Benjawattananon, former director of Thailand’s Office of Buddhism, was extradited from the US to face corruption charges.

• He is accused of misappropriating funds meant for the restoration of more than 65 temples.

• Formal charges will be filed at the Bangkok Central Criminal Court on 29 September 2025.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-29

 

 

 

 

Foreigner runs down the street naked in Pattaya....netcitizens go bananas with outrage.

 

Director of office of Buddhism gets caught in huge scandal.... crickets.

Officials expressed gratitude to those involved in the process, including prosecutors from Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General, the Eastern District of Texas, the US Department of Justice, US Marshals and related international legal teams. This successful extradition underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.

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Can't be said for the likes of Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya ,and Dr Boon

 

Mr. Nopparat Benjawattananon.

Come on down the time is right.

Reckon he will be in Monkey house for the rest of his life. 

Don't go nicking Monk money, naughty boy.