Financial Concerns Raised Over Wat Phra That Phanom Funds
A former district chief has publicly questioned the management of 114 million baht in donations at Wat Phra That Phanom, alleging the funds have been nearly depleted in two years.
Jakrapong Pathumkaiya, a former district chief of That Phanom and former temple treasurer, has publicly raised serious concerns regarding the financial management of Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province. In a series of social media posts, Jakrapong claimed that the temple held 114 million baht in funds during his eight-month tenure two years ago. He alleges that these funds have since been almost entirely depleted, questioning the transparency and management practices of the current administration. Specifically, he noted that even the final 30 million baht, which was intended to be held in a fixed deposit account to cover essential utility costs like water and electricity, has reportedly been withdrawn. Jakrapong has challenged the temple authorities to publicly disclose the current financial status of the institution, emphasizing that these funds represent donations from the public. The allegations have sparked significant online debate, with many citizens calling for an official explanation from the temple. For residents and visitors, this situation highlights potential governance issues within a major religious site. As of now, the temple authorities have not issued a formal response to these claims. The accuracy of the financial figures and the circumstances surrounding the alleged withdrawals remain to be confirmed by independent audits or official statements.
