The Buddhist Office confirms that Kruba Chaiwat’s conduct qualifies as Parajik. Ecclesiastical leaders had previously warned him about inappropriate fundraising behavior. It has been revealed that victims have filed fraud complaints, and the site is classified as an "illegal temple." Originally, there was an abbot who was later expelled. All points are expected to be addressed in a briefing tomorrow.
Following a state agency inspection of the Pa Chana Jai Forest Meditation Center in Saraburi on 18 Feb 2026, complaints were received from local residents about encroachment on Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) land, misuse of the area, and extensive fundraising from devotees.
The Thairath Online special news team has closely followed this issue since the initial search. They interviewed Krissakorn Sanit Sakdee, Inspector of the National Office of Buddhism, who disclosed that the monastic order overseeing the monks at Pa Chana Jai has recalled all affiliated monks. The affiliations include one monk from Loei, six from Ubon Ratchathani, one from Nakhon Ratchasima, and four from Saraburi. The provincial ecclesiastical authority in Saraburi, where the meditation center is located, does not accept this monk under its jurisdiction. Previously, the provincial and district ecclesiastical authorities warned Kruba Chaiwat against inappropriate conduct, which constitutes theft punishable by Parajik, but he did not heed the warnings.
A former resident and administrator of the temple’s social media page has revealed details about the temple’s fundraising strategies. Regarding the ALRO land, which the temple claims was donated by villagers, this is considered a pretext. If villagers sold the land, they would be violating the law, as ALRO land, especially on mountain peaks considered forest areas, is prohibited from being sold or transferred, and ALRO has not allocated such land.
When asked if Kruba Chaiwat’s behavior qualifies as Parajik, Krissakorn explained that for Parajik offenses, it is not necessary to wait for the complaint case to conclude. A monk committing theft immediately qualifies for Parajik. His occupation of mountain land and tree cutting constitute theft. The ecclesiastical authorities have warned him, but he ignored these cautions.
The investigation, conducted jointly by multiple agencies, found that the site was being developed much like a resort, with houses surrounding a central area occupied by monks on the mountain. Without official intervention, the project would have been completed. Authorities have now collected evidence related to fraud against the public, with over ten victims already filing complaints.
During the inspection on 18 Feb 2026 at Pa Chana Jai Forest Meditation Center in Saraburi, although officials did not find Kruba Chaiwat, a temple representative explained that the site began as an old dairy farm used by villagers before being donated for monastic use. The initial area was 13 rai of ALRO land, which was later expanded by supporters to its current size.
Krissakorn Sanit Sakdee, Inspector of the National Office of Buddhism, stated that initially, the meditation center’s land was donated by villagers to a monk residing there before Kruba Chaiwat arrived. However, after Kruba Chaiwat had been ordained for two Buddhist years, he expelled that monk from the temple using his influence. This monk is currently preserved as a witness by the Buddhist Office.
Regarding the donation receipts issued to donors, investigations confirmed that these cannot be used for tax deductions because the temple has not been properly registered. In fact, it cannot officially be called a temple or meditation center since it lacks registration, rendering it an "illegal temple." The donation receipts issued are therefore considered fraudulent.
The Pa Chana Jai Forest Meditation Center in Saraburi has announced it will provide a full explanation tomorrow, 21 Feb 2026, with Kruba Chaiwat himself presenting the information. The news team will continue to follow up and report the facts.