Professor Thongthong led a delegation from the National Office of Buddhism to pay respects to the abbot of Wat Pa Adunyararam, reaffirming that the land ownership has long belonged to the temple. They are preparing to consult with the Khon Kaen governor to proceed with correcting the land title deed name for everyone's peace of mind.
At 19:00 on 16 August 2026, at Wat Pa Adunyararam on Kanlapaphruek Road within Khon Kaen Municipality, Khon Kaen Province, Professor Emeritus Thongthong Chantrasangu, President of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Council and Chairman of the National Buddhist Protection Committee, along with Mr. Kritsakorn Sanit Sakdee, Inspector of the National Office of Buddhism, and the Director of the National Office of Buddhism, visited to pay respects to Phra Kru Adunsaranithet, the abbot of Wat Pa Adunyararam, and inquire about the temple's land dispute case.
The temple’s lawyer, officials from the Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Buddhism, and related agencies provided information and updates on the process to change the name on the 21-rai land title deed. Around 200 devotees and media followed the situation inside the temple. Police officers, including Pol. Col. Preecha Kengsarikit, Deputy Provincial Police Chief of Khon Kaen, and Pol. Col. Yoswat Kaewsuebtanij, Superintendent of Muang Khon Kaen Police Station, with their teams, ensured order and security.
After paying respects and discussing details for about 30 minutes, Professor Emeritus Thongthong Chantrasangu, Chairman of the National Buddhist Protection Committee, held a press conference to clarify the situation to the media and the public awaiting updates on the Wat Pa Adunyararam dispute.
He explained that although incidents had occurred over the past 3-4 days, the situation has now been resolved. The visit focused on two matters: first, someone reported to the Khon Kaen Land Office that the original land title deed was lost, which is untrue because the authentic documents have always been under the temple’s custody. The National Office of Buddhism in Khon Kaen coordinated with inspectors and notified the Khon Kaen Land Office. Thus, the land office will now proceed according to their procedures regarding that complaint.
The second issue, ongoing for about 20-30 years, involves the land title deed not being updated to reflect the temple’s ownership. Although the temple has long owned the land, the official documents have not been properly corrected. They now plan to request the land title deed name be changed officially to the temple’s name.
“I respectfully asked the abbot, saying that the government’s procedures are neither slow nor lengthy, but we will do our best and as quickly as possible. The abbot, who has a sense of humor, said he has waited 30 years and can wait longer. I told him not to wait another 30 years—I can’t wait that long either. We will do our utmost and it shouldn’t take too long. We will closely follow up because this work involves cooperation with provincial authorities and the land office,” he said.
Professor Thongthong added that regarding legal cases about the land title deed, there is no need to worry. For safety, government authorities and police are carefully monitoring the temple area to maintain security and order, preventing disturbances to religious activities and devotees coming to make merit, so everyone can feel at ease.
The abbot conveyed two messages to the devotees: first, he asked everyone to be at peace, saying he himself is not stressed and urges devotees not to worry more than he does. The abbot kindly noted that having the team visit and pay respects today made him feel more reassured. Therefore, everyone can trust that the temple will not be abandoned and these matters will be cared for.
Second, because this issue has arisen, many see the temple as a sanctuary and support center for all people—hosting funerals, merit-making events, helping the poor, supporting Khon Kaen University students, and assisting local schools and teachers who borrow items for activities. Many devotees wish to make merit here now.
The abbot warned to be cautious and not fall victim to anyone claiming to be a middleman or organizer who collects money on his behalf. He urged that if anyone wants to make merit at this temple, they should do so directly at the temple by scanning the official QR code to ensure transparency.
To clarify the land title name change, the temple has already filed a request and will meet with relevant parties tomorrow, including the Khon Kaen governor, who is directly responsible for this matter. They will discuss legal procedures and assure the public to remain calm and confident.
The Director of the National Office of Buddhism stated that the public should feel assured as the office has not abandoned the temple but has stood by it throughout the dispute. Although there was no public attention before, a review shows the National and Khon Kaen Provincial Offices of Buddhism have been involved, opposing the issuance of the land title deed. Today, they came to pay respects and encourage the abbot, affirming that the land belongs 100% to the temple. The National Office of Buddhism will push for issuing the land title deed in the temple’s name for everyone’s peace of mind.
The director also mentioned ongoing issues nationwide regarding changing land titles from donors’ names to temple names. While the exact number is unknown, urgent orders have been given for all temples to survey their land titles. These documents are held by both provincial Buddhist offices and land offices to prevent similar disputes in the future.
He addressed the transfer fee for changing the land title to Wat Pa Adunyararam’s name, stating it is only 0.01%, amounting to about 7,000–8,000 baht, not 1,500,000 baht. He warned the public not to be deceived, emphasizing that only the National Office of Buddhism, the provincial Buddhist offices, and the governor’s office are involved in temple affairs—no others, including former officials, should be trusted.