Entertainment, Buddhism, Forest Encroachment, Legal Dispute, Public Support, Luang Ta Sin Kit, Chusri Chuenyim Luang Ta Sin Sap Chornathammo or as many know him, Luang Ta Sin Kit, shed tears during a live broadcast to clarify the forest encroachment allegations against the Buddhist park, accused of occupying 12 rai of forest land. The truth, he explained, is that the land was reclaimed from villagers who had encroached for farming. He stated, “I am a monk of integrity. I do not ask for help from anyone, nor do I demand favors.” Meanwhile, famous comedian Chusri Chuenyim took reporters to the disputed area, which is an old rubber plantation returned to the forest department.
After the Forest Panther Unit of the Royal Forest Department inspected the Buddhist park and the forest temple at Wat Pa Bon Nam Phra In in Sirindhorn District, Ubon Ratchathani Province on 3 April 2026, a complaint was filed with the Chong Mek Police Station on 4 April 2026, accusing the temple of violating the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964 over more than 12 rai.
The Forest Department's official page reported the investigation results and initiated proceedings to revoke the Buddhist park’s license at Wat Pa Bon Nam Phra In. This sparked widespread online debate, with academics, influencers, singers, and actors voicing strong support for Luang Ta Sin Kit.
Most recently, on the morning of 10 April 2026, Luang Ta Sin Sap or Luang Ta Sin Kit, former chairman of the Buddhist park’s forest temple Wat Pa Bon Nam Phra In, conducted his usual live broadcast. At times, he paused, speechless with sadness and frustration over being harassed by well-meaning complainers who prompted over ten inspections, leading to this widely publicized issue.
Luang Ta Sin Sap tearfully stated that he will accept the legal process fully. “If anyone is wrong, let them be held accountable. I do not ask for help from anyone; I never demand favors. I speak honestly, act sincerely, and uphold the Dhamma. I am a Dhammayut monk. Please feel free not to defend me. I have always helped myself.” He expressed deep sorrow but said disciples who respect him have continuously come to offer support amid these events.
Meanwhile, Chusri Chuenyim, the famous comedian, took reporters to see the actual site accused of forest encroachment for building monk’s quarters and a pavilion. The area is rocky, planted with rubber trees about 4 to 6 meters tall, estimated to be 5 to 10 years old. Scattered among the rocky ground are bamboo huts with thatched roofs. There are no large trees or characteristics of a forest.
Chusri explained that this land was obtained by Luang Ta Sin Sap from villagers who could not farm it. Many villagers then asked the monk to take over its care, which he agreed to, intending to reforest and restore the land. However, being accused of encroachment caused him to feel hurt. He wished authorities would come see the situation themselves. He said, “It’s painful inside, sometimes I feel hurt, like I’m not being treated fairly.”
At one point, Chusri Chuenyim broke down in tears out of sympathy for Luang Ta Sin Kit, saying, “I also feel hurt sometimes. It sounds like I’m praising the monk, right?” (His voice trembled and then he fell silent.) “I want the authorities to come and see what benefits Luang Ta Sin Kit has done. It’s painful.” (Tears flowed)
“Sometimes we are strong, sometimes vulnerable, hurt, and sad. What we have done is treated unfairly for Luang Ta Sin Kit. Is it really so wrong? It shouldn’t be a big deal. We didn’t cut or destroy anything; we only planted and made it green. Not a single leaf was plucked. We help society, help villagers, but in return, we become villains. It’s unfair to us disciples.”
“But Luang Ta teaches us to be strong. If they won’t let us stay, then we must leave. Taking this land means making Luang Ta leave. To me, that doesn’t make sense.” (His voice trembled) “He’s old now. We leave it to karma. Soon it will be done. Is this how we protect Buddhism? I don’t know how they protect it, whether they protect or destroy it.”
“Right or wrong, let justice be done. But asking if Luang Ta encroached on the forest—it pains the heart. It makes society misunderstand him. I want Thai society to distinguish whether it’s really so wrong to evict Luang Ta from here. If he must go, that’s okay, because Luang Ta isn’t attached to material things. He never accumulated money or possessions. He never set rules; no matter the wrongdoing, he gives everyone a chance.”
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