Central Investigation Bureau Addresses Concerns Regarding Wat Chulamani

On September 15, 2026, Lieutenant General Natthasak Chaowanasai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), addressed public concerns following social media discussions involving Wat Chulamani in Samut Songkhram province. The Commissioner emphasized that the CIB operates on a principle of verifying all complaints before taking action.

Lt. Gen. Natthasak explained that while the police act immediately when clear evidence of criminal activity exists—such as the misappropriation of temple assets—they exercise caution in cases where evidence is not yet established to avoid unfairly damaging public faith. He urged the public and media to differentiate between three distinct elements: the Buddhist religion, the sacred site or temple itself, and the personal behavior of individuals.

For residents and travelers, this clarification serves as a reminder that investigations into religious institutions are handled with specific legal criteria. The CIB confirmed that, as of now, there are no formal complaints or evidence of irregularities regarding Wat Chulamani or other temples currently circulating in news reports. Matters involving behavioral conduct that do not constitute criminal offenses remain under the jurisdiction of other relevant authorities. The investigation into other sites, such as Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung, remains ongoing, and the public is advised to await official findings rather than relying on unverified social media speculation.