Abbot Chiang of a well-known temple in Lopburi revealed that after consulting with his disciples, he is currently gathering evidence to file a complaint against those spreading rumors that he is a vote-buyer for a prominent local political party.
A video was circulated showing the behavior of a monk in Lopburi province, who is an abbot, standing beside a red pickup truck and angrily shouting in front of a house, apparently due to non-cooperation. Local residents claimed that this monk serves as a vote-buyer for a major local political family running in elections.
Subsequently, Phra Kru Sophon Phawananusit, known as Abbot Chiang of Wat Pa Pho Thong in Khok Charoen district, Lopburi, denied being a vote-buyer for the political party and stated he has already clarified the matter with the Office of National Buddhism.
At 16:30 on 25 Jan 2026, a reporter contacted Phra Kru Sophon Phawananusit, also known as Abbot Chiang of Wat Pa Pho Thong, Khok Charoen subdistrict, Khok Charoen district, Lopburi, who also serves as the district monastic chief of Nong Muang.
He replied that he was currently attending a ceremony in Bang Pla Ma district, Suphanburi province, and was not available for an interview. He requested to return to the temple first and then would take reporters to the house in question to clarify the suspicions.
Abbot Chiang hinted that he has many disciples and naturally both supporters and detractors. He admitted to speaking bluntly and loudly, directly stating his likes and dislikes, including in politics. He supports parties that tangibly benefit the people and do not deceive them, even if this displeases some. He said he can clarify all related issues.
The house where the discussion took place belongs to one of his disciples, but the CCTV camera owner who recorded the images and audio is from a different household, a local community leader well known to Abbot Chiang, whom he had previously advised on conduct. This may have caused displeasure. He is unsure of the leader’s intentions in sharing the clip, which claims he was driving around campaigning for a candidate, shouting insults, and damaging religion, saying he is unworthy to be a monk. Abbot Chiang views these accusations and shares as untrue. He and several disciples have decided to press charges against the individual, currently gathering evidence. He has informed senior monks as a preliminary report.
Regarding ecclesiastical matters, the provincial monastic chief ordered the district monastic chief to reprimand him for inappropriate behavior, manners, and conduct unbecoming of a monk, as the matter was publicized in the media. This is currently under ecclesiastical investigation.
Sources say that Abbot Chiang of Wat Pa Pho Thong has continuously organized donation activities, free food services, and social aid for distressed communities. He is well known among the poor residents in the area.