The lawyer for Wat Pa Adulyaram revealed that Phra Kru Adulsaranithet kept the land deed for more than 30 years, causing concern and sleepless nights. He requested to hand over the deed to the Khon Kaen Buddhist Office for custody according to regulations, while the encroachment case will continue.
At 11:00 a.m. on 16 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Ananchai Chaidej, also known as “Iron Bone Lawyer,” president of the Thongtham Lawyers Foundation, held a press conference in front of the abbot’s residence at Wat Pa Adulyaram. After escorting Phra Kru Adulsaranithet, the abbot, to the Khon Kaen Land Office, they proceeded to change the deed's name from Mr. Hiang Phimsi to Wat Pa Adulyaram.
Mr. Ananchai stated that the transfer order from Mr. Hiang Phimsi to Wat Pa Adulyaram has been approved. The original deed was handed to the Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Buddhism for safekeeping and management according to regulations. He emphasized there is official documentation confirming the original deed is with the Buddhist Office, reassuring the public.
Dr. Prayut Prathet Sena, or “Maha Mee,” vice president of the Thongtham Lawyers Foundation, congratulated Buddhists and Khon Kaen residents, asking, “Are we all happy today?” He noted that Wat Pa Adulyaram’s success benefits the management of religious property land across Thailand. Many temples have received land donations but have yet to update the deed name, even though ownership transferred upon donation. In Wat Pa Adulyaram’s case, the deed name change has been successfully completed.
Maha Mee said that, from his perspective, the previous legal objections lack legitimacy. He believes the “Wat Pa Adulyaram model” will aid nationwide management of religious land facing similar issues, including land with existing donations yet unrenamed deeds, and religious property like land donated as temple grounds where donors have passed without completing transfer. This approach may serve as a national model guided by the Office of National Buddhism to cooperate with government agencies in resolving such land problems. He thanked the Director-General of the Department of Lands, the Ministry of Interior, the Minister of Interior, Khon Kaen’s Governor, Deputy Governor, land officials, and those coordinating through the Buddhist Protection Committee.
Lawyer Panchita Chaidej, or “Lawyer Farsai,” a committee member of the Thongtham Lawyers Foundation and daughter of Mr. Ananchai Chaidej, explained the legal process. Regarding a press statement at Wat Pa Adulyaram, if Mr. Luang Waen did not apologize or seek forgiveness from Phra Kru Adulsaranithet within seven days, the Foundation would file complaints and lawsuits. Complaints have been filed, but the abbot requested the lawyers to halt, expressing a desire to forgive the insult. The Foundation considered this positive since the case is a personal offense; forgiveness by the abbot is a good omen.
Regarding charges handled by the Thongtham Lawyers Foundation, Lawyer Panchita said there are two: defaming the Sangha Council under the Sangha Act Section 44 ter, and defamation by publication under Criminal Code Section 393.
Lawyer Panchita clarified that prosecution is divided into personal offenses and public criminal offenses. Since Phra Kru Adulsaranithet did not press charges in the personal offense case, the Foundation will not proceed, respecting the abbot’s wishes. However, the public criminal case already filed must continue, as failure by the abbot, acting as an official, to act could constitute dereliction of duty. Thus, personal offenses can be forgiven, but public crimes cannot. For the alleged temple encroachment, the Foundation will pursue legal action, having recorded statements and prepared documents, including footage from the 'Hon Krasae' program. However, at the abbot’s request, the Foundation ceased personal offense proceedings.
Then, Mr. Kowit Saengsakol, or “Lawyer Boy,” legal counsel for Wat Pa Adulyaram, expressed great joy that the deed was correctly transferred to the temple’s name. After discussing with Phra Kru Adulsaranithet about whether to keep the deed for one or two more days, the abbot said he would immediately hand it over to the Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Buddhism. Having kept the deed for over 30 years, Phra Kru Adulsaranithet had suffered sleepless nights because of it, feeling as if a mountain had been lifted from his chest after handing it over, now feeling relieved.
Regarding the deed’s custody at the Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Buddhism, Lawyer Kowit said this follows rules and laws. Once the deed is in the temple’s name, the Buddhist Office is responsible for safekeeping. Related cases remain at the Supreme Court, awaiting decisions on whether the court will accept appeals from Mr. Hiang’s heirs.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ananchai revealed today is a good omen and avoided remarks that might upset opponents. He paid respects to the spirit of Mr. Hiang Phimsi and all heirs who did not claim the land. Mr. Hiang contributed to building the temple and this merit. If Mr. Hiang knows from heaven, he would be reborn in a higher realm because the land now rightfully belongs to Wat Pa Adulyaram. He explained the term “knockout punch” refers to transferring land from Mr. Hiang to the temple, closing the chapter on Wat Pa Adulyaram’s land history and expressing gratitude to all who helped restore the land as temple property, emphasizing that no matter how many lifetimes pass, the land remains the temple’s.
Mr. Ananchai addressed related cases, stating that defamation against officials or by publication is a personal offense involving Phra Kru Adulsaranithet, who has forgiven and requested dismissal, thus closing that matter.
Regarding the encroachment case, a public criminal offense, Phra Kru Adulsaranithet, as abbot and temple representative, must file complaints. Failure to do so could result in charges of dereliction of duty. Therefore, forgiveness cannot be requested here as it is a mandatory legal action.
Concerning the lese-majeste case, Mr. Ananchai said a complainant from Khon Kaen has filed charges, and police are reviewing. For false complaint cases, land officials are handling them. The Foundation will not interfere. From now, Wat Pa Adulyaram will return to peace. What “Aunt Da Thanos” and Mr. Hiang’s heirs do is their matter, not the temple’s. However, if the temple faces further disputes, the Thongtham Lawyers Foundation will assist as before. The abbot’s assigned mission to change the deed’s name from Mr. Hiang to Wat Pa Adulyaram is now complete.