The abbot of a well-known temple in Khok Charoen District, Lopburi Province, denies being a political campaigner for a major party, saying he was just teasing familiar villagers. He has clarified the matter with the Office of Buddhism and the provincial ecclesiastical authority already.,
Regarding a circulated video showing a monk in Lopburi Province—who is an abbot—driving a red pickup truck and shouting angrily in front of a house over a lack of cooperation. Local villagers say this monk is a campaigner for a prominent local political family running in elections.
On 25 Jan 2026, Phra Kru Sophonphawananusit, abbot of Wat Pa Pho Thong and head monk of Khok Charoen Subdistrict, Nong Muang, Sarabosot, Khok Samrong, who is involved in the news, told reporters he is not a campaigner as alleged. On the day shown in the video, he was delivering a gift basket to visit three elderly people at that home, with the basket coming from temple donations.
He said he regularly does this, and the home visited in the video is familiar to him. The children of that household are studying as monks at his temple, so they often tease each other. The incident on that day was normal until a conversation escalated emotionally.
Phra Kru Sophonphawananusit added he apologizes to the public if his tone in the video seemed harsh but stressed he is not involved in politics. He explained that all parliamentary candidates and parties know him well, as they all visit him at the temple. He questioned how he could be a campaigner when the provincial ecclesiastical authority prohibits monks from political involvement. He has reported this matter to the Office of Buddhism, which will investigate. Additionally, the monastic authorities have sent the district ecclesiastical officer to verify the facts.
Phra Kru Sophonphawananusit, abbot of Wat Pa Pho Thong, is a recognized community developer in Khok Charoen District, known for his contributions to education, healthcare, and more. He remains undeterred by the incident and pledges to continue his work in development and social assistance, emphasizing he is not involved in politics.