The former abbot of Phra Bat Nam Phu Temple in Lop Buri, Phra Ratcha Wisutthiprachanat, better known as ‘Luang Phor Alongkot’, was arrested by Crime Suppression Division officers on Monday night on embezzlement and money laundering charges, in connection with public donations to the temple.
His assistant, Seksan Sapsubbsakul, better known as ‘Mor Bee’, was arrested separately on similar charges by police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), following extensive searches in Bangkok and Lop Buri.
The arrest warrants for the two men were issued by Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. Both men were taken to the CIB for separate interrogation.
CIB Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj-Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, told the media today that police needed to arrest Luang Phor Alongkot last night over concerns that he might attempt to escape.
It is reported that a black van was seen at the former abbot’s living quarters at about 1am this morning. Officers deployed to the temple, to monitor his movements, decided to make the arrest then, instead of waiting until 9am, which is when the arrest was originally to take place.
The two suspects have denied all the charges.
Seksan has a Master Degree in Finance from a university in the United States but, instead of pursuing a career in finance, he chose to focus on the spirit world, a subject in which he has been interested since he was 17 and from which he has reportedly earned substantial revenue in his role as a “ghost ambassador”, for his claimed ability to communicate with spirits.
Later, Seksan dedicated himself to helping Luang Phor Alongkot at Phra Bat Nam Phu Temple and to caring for people infected with HIV/AIDS being sheltered there.
For his charitable activities at the temple, he was honoured with GQ’s Man of the Year in 2022 for Philanthropy.
