"Aunt Da" said she was disappointed that the National Office of Buddhism would not allow viewing of documents concerning the establishment of Pa Adulyaram Forest Temple, citing confidentiality. Meanwhile, "Aunt Bualian" admitted she had made merit at the temple because her father is buried there, explaining that merit-making depends on the sincerity of the heart.
On 21 August 2026 at 1:00 p.m., Ms. Chommani Noichan, 62, known as "Aunt Da," along with "Aunt Buakai," the estate manager, heirs, and supporters, went to the National Office of Buddhism on Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya Subdistrict, Phutthamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom Province. They requested to examine documents and evidence related to the establishment of Pa Adulyaram Forest Temple in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, to verify whether the temple was authorized in accordance with the Office's regulations and the Sangha Act. Previously, they had contacted Mr. Theeradej Chantrat, Director of the National Office of Buddhism, because the temple’s name was missing from the Office's official temple directory.
After meeting representatives of the National Office of Buddhism, Aunt Da revealed she felt disappointed because the Office could not confirm whether the temple’s establishment was legitimate and could not present documents to clarify, citing confidentiality. They advised the heirs to appeal to the Prime Minister's Office instead, despite the Director having previously stated on the "Hone Krasae" program that the documents could be viewed upon request.
She said if clear documents confirming that the land is legitimately a temple were provided today, the heirs would have no objections. Going forward, they intend to pursue the truth and see the matter through to the end.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bualian Phimsri, heir of Mr. Hiang, said all heirs want to verify whether the land was properly designated as a temple, because over the past 20 years they have submitted inquiries but received no clear answers. The response from the National Office of Buddhism disappointed her greatly. The heirs will now consult with their lawyer to decide whether to file an appeal with the Prime Minister's Office.
She added that everyone knows that every generation of temple committee members desires the land because it is a prime location for a temple. Official announcements in the Royal Gazette state the land belongs to the temple, but personally she feels this is not correct and remains concerned, as the heirs were never informed and only received secret documents. She questioned, "Why was this done secretly? Personally, I believe it is still not right."
When asked if she had previously made merit at the temple, Mrs. Bualian said anyone can ask the abbot, who certainly knows the Phimsri family well and would not refuse them. Her father is buried there, and while the temple is recognized as such, it is still incomplete, which is why they continue to follow up. Regarding doubts about the temple's legitimacy despite making merit there, she explained that merit-making depends on the purity of one’s heart, but she does not accept the temple’s legal status as complete because her father passed away before the process was finalized.
Meanwhile, Aunt Buakai briefly stated that officials said today that they could not show the documents because they are confidential, but she wants to see and know the truth.
Regarding legal proceedings against her, she said she feels indifferent but her children cried. She told them not to be upset because the truth is the truth.
The lawyer said they came today to examine the establishment process and related documents, believing these should include files and petitions. However, they were only given one type of document that is unnecessary and already in their possession. The lawyer personally believes the requested documents should not be secret, and if the Office had disclosed them today, the dispute could have been resolved.