Safety
Wat Ratchabophit Issues Warning Against Fraudulent Merit-Making Schemes
Wat Ratchabophit has officially warned the public against unauthorized individuals using the temple's name and images to solicit donations for a 'wealth-increasing' merit-making campaign.
Official Warning from Wat Ratchabophit
On August 29, 2026, Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram issued a formal public warning regarding fraudulent activities involving the temple's identity. The temple reported that unauthorized individuals have been using photographs of the temple grounds and its senior monks to promote a campaign titled 'Pha Pa Perm Sap Maha Setthi 88' (88 Wealth-Increasing Merit-Making).
Impact on Residents and Visitors
For residents and visitors, this serves as a critical reminder to exercise caution when encountering online solicitations for religious donations. Scammers often leverage the prestige of well-known historical temples to gain the trust of potential donors. If you are approached or see advertisements online claiming to represent Wat Ratchabophit for this specific campaign, the temple advises that these are not official activities.
Current Status
As of now, the temple has clarified that it is not associated with this solicitation. It remains to be confirmed whether authorities have identified the individuals behind these fraudulent posts or if further legal action will be taken against those misusing the temple's likeness. Visitors are encouraged to verify any merit-making activities directly through the temple’s official channels before participating to ensure their contributions are legitimate and reach the intended destination.