A Former Buddhist Monk Who Founded a Thai AIDS Hospice Has Been Convicted of Embezzlement
- Alongkot Poonmook was convicted in Thailand of misusing donations to a hospice for people with HIV/AIDS and sentenced to the legal maximum of 50 years.
- Alongkot, formerly known as Phra Ratcha Wisutthiprachanat, was arrested with fundraiser Seksan Sapsubbsakul and later left the monkhood.
- The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases found both men guilty of multiple embezzlement and money-laundering charges.
- The court ordered them to return more than 300 million baht, approximately $9 million, to the hospice at Wat Phra Bat Namphu temple in Lopburi.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The Toronto Star
A former Buddhist monk who founded a Thai AIDS hospice has been convicted of embezzlement
BANGKOK (AP) — A former Buddhist monk in Thailand was convicted Wednesday of misusing donations to a highly praised hospice he established for people with HIV/AIDS and given the maximum term of 50 years in prison.
The Criminal Court for Corruption Cases sentenced former monk Alongkot to 742 years in prison and "Dr. Bee" to 386 years, or 1,840 months, in a case of embezzlement of funds from Wat Phrabat Namphu. Due to their helpful testimony, the maximum sentence under the law was 50 years, and they were ordered to pay over 300 million baht in compensation.
Former monk sentenced to 742 years, psychic doctor 386 years
BANGKOK — 7 October 2026, A Thai court has sentenced former monk Alongkot to a combined 742 years in prison and Bee, a self-proclaimed spiritual medium, to 386 years and 1,480 months in a case involving the alleged embezzlement and laundering of more than 10 billion baht in donations linked to Wat Phra Bat Nam […]
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