Culture
Phra Phayom Warns Public Against Fake Herbal Medicine Claims
Prominent monk Phra Phayom has debunked viral social media claims suggesting he produces herbal medicines capable of curing all diseases.
On September 25, 2026, Phra Phayom, the abbot of Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi, issued a public warning regarding a viral misinformation campaign. Social media pages have been circulating AI-generated images and false advertisements claiming that the monk produces herbal remedies that can cure various illnesses. These deceptive posts have led many people to travel to the temple in search of these non-existent treatments.
Phra Phayom clarified that he is a preacher and a social developer, not a medical professional or a pharmacist. He emphasized that the temple does not produce any medicine and that the claims are entirely fabricated by scammers. He expressed concern that visitors are being misled, resulting in wasted time and travel expenses. Furthermore, he urged the Ministry of Public Health to take action, as the scammers have falsely cited the ministry as an endorser of these fake products.
For residents and visitors, this incident serves as a reminder to verify health-related claims found on social media, especially those involving religious figures or miracle cures. As of now, it remains to be seen if the Ministry of Public Health will launch an official investigation into the fraudulent use of their name. The public is advised to avoid traveling to the temple for medical purposes, as no such services exist.