Wat Pa Chanachai welcomes investigation into alleged encroachment on Sor Por Kor land. "Kruba Chaiwat" suddenly fell ill. Our news team inspected the forest area and found no heavy machinery or temple disciples present after Sor Por Kor posted no-encroachment signs, which were removed outside the area. Monks outside the area have processed transfer documents to affiliate with a nearby temple, pending approval from the Buddhist office.
Kruba Chaiwat—following a state agency inspection of Wat Pa Chanachai spiritual retreat in Saraburi province on 18 Feb 2026, amid complaints from villagers about encroaching on Sor Por Kor land, misusing the land, and extensive fundraising from devotees—called a press conference today, 21 Feb 2026, at 14:00. The Thairath Online special team, following this issue since the start, went to await the statement but was informed by disciples that Kruba Chaiwat had a sudden illness earlier this morning due to a chronic arrhythmia, combined with long travel and insufficient rest. He was admitted for medical treatment at a hospital. A lawyer and monk secretary were assigned to speak on his behalf.
The temple's lawyer said, to reduce social misunderstandings, if state officials have evidence of Sor Por Kor land encroachment, they are ready to fight the case. However, initially, the foundation did not intend to encroach and there may be misunderstandings regarding the use of Sor Por Kor land.
The application process is still under consideration; thus, this is not arbitrary encroachment. We welcome investigation and will inform the media if permission is granted. Any legal matters must be proven in court.
Although Kruba Chaiwat has fewer years in monkhood, he is a respected cleric. Good monks are rare nowadays. Our financial transactions are documented as a foundation and can answer any questions about the use of funds.
When asked about the registered foundation's name, the lawyer replied that the exact registrant is currently unknown. Attempts have been made to register as a monastic center. Regarding the land, it must be proven whether there is an overlap; if proven wrong, the land must be returned and the forest restored to the community. Also, if wrongdoing is confirmed, it must be proven whether the temple had intent.
The monk secretary said he represents the monastic center, which has yet to be officially registered as a temple, so it cannot issue donation receipts. Therefore, they only post thanks to donors on social media.
When asked why the spiritual retreat area has expanded beyond the initial 13 rai reportedly given by villagers, he explained that the initial land was insufficient for use, and subsequently more was donated by faithful villagers.
Regarding monks needing to report to their original affiliations in Ubon Ratchathani and Loei provinces, all have applied to transfer to nearby temples. Documentation is complete and awaiting Buddhist office approval.
After the press conference, the Thairath Online special team surveyed the area. The alleged encroachment area of over 2,000 rai had Sor Por Kor signs posted forbidding use, and no temple personnel had entered. Some structures remain inside the area.
