Lawyer Ananchai has called for an investigation into the foundation chairman, Phra Chaiwat of Wat Pa Chanachai, for possible involvement in encroaching on Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) land and violating monastic discipline.
On 19 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the Facebook page of Lawyer Ananchai Chaidej, known as the Iron Bone Lawyer, posted a call for the religious authority overseeing the foundation chaired by Phra Chaiwat to investigate after complaints alleging his awareness of encroachment on ALRO land at Wat Pa Chanachai in Saraburi Province.
The Foundation of Lawyers for the Army has filed a complaint with Phra Ratchawichiralangkar, abbot of Wat Wachiralongkon Worawihan and the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Sangha Committee (Dhammayut sect), requesting an inquiry into Phra Jirayudet Thammavanich, chairman of the Kruba Chaiwat Foundation for Peace.
Following widely reported news nationwide, police from various units including the Forest Protection Division, Anti-Corruption, and the Agricultural Land Reform Office, along with the Department of Forestry and National Anti-Corruption Commission in Saraburi, jointly inspected land possession by the Pa Chanachai Meditation Center led by Phra Chaiwat. They found encroachment on ALRO land, deforestation, construction of meditation facilities, solicitation of 500,000 baht per monk's dwelling for meditation practice, construction of monk's quarters, and landfilling for roads over more than 100 rai, covering 2,000 rai in total. Later, Phra Chaiwat told the media, especially the 'Hon Krasae' program, that all construction and fundraising were conducted in the name of the Kruba Chaiwat Foundation for Peace, which is chaired by Phra Jirayudet Thammavanich. Investigations confirmed that Phra Jirayudet is affiliated with Wat Wachiralongkon Worawihan, whose abbot and Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Sangha head (Dhammayut sect) is Phra Ratchawichiralangkar, who is also Phra Jirayudet's preceptor.
In response, today the Foundation of Lawyers for the Army, led by me, Lawyer Ananchai Chaidej, submitted a letter of complaint to Phra Ratchawichiralangkar, abbot of Wat Wachiralongkon Worawihan and Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Sangha Committee (Dhammayut sect), requesting the appointment of an investigative committee to initiate disciplinary proceedings under the Sangha Act, 1978, Article 11, Clause 4(b). The complaint alleges that Phra Jirayudet Thammavanich, chairman of the Kruba Chaiwat Foundation for Peace, is a monk affiliated with Wat Wachiralongkon Worawihan. Under Article 4(1)(a), a monk who is not a monastic superior and holds a rank below that of a royal ecclesiastical title is subject to Article 4(2) and must undergo disciplinary proceedings according to Article 4(3). Phra Ratchawichiralangkar, as the abbot and provincial monastic head, holds authority to conduct such proceedings as the supervising superior under Articles 4(11) and (12). However, Phra Jirayudet has not resided at his affiliated temple and has been wandering in disreputable places, leading to accusations of unauthorized encroachment on ALRO land. This may constitute a second-degree grave offense (Athinatha Thutiyaparajik) or, if the foundation's use of the Kruba Chaiwat name involves illegal land possession for lay benefit, it may be considered improper association with laypersons, violating monastic discipline and criminal law, warranting defrocking or other disciplinary measures. The foundation operates under a private legal entity under civil and commercial law.
Furthermore, Phra Jirayudet Thammavanich's actions may constitute the offense of encroaching on state land, which is currently under legal proceedings, causing public criticism and damage to the Thai Sangha. Therefore, the monastic authorities at the temple level and Phra Jirayudet's preceptor must promptly consider disciplinary proceedings if these violations of monastic discipline are confirmed.
The Foundation of Lawyers for the Army respectfully petitions His Eminence Phra Ratchawichiralangkar.
Abbot of Wat Wachiralongkon Worawihan and Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Sangha Committee (Dhammayut sect), to proceed with appointing an investigative committee to conduct disciplinary proceedings against Phra Jirayudet Thammavanich in accordance with monastic discipline and relevant Sangha Act provisions promptly.
Additionally, the Foundation of Lawyers for the Army has sent an inquiry to His Eminence via the complaint investigation committee of the Nakhon Ratchasima Sangha Province to request the investigation results regarding a complaint against Phra Maha Theeranat Akkathiro, chairman of the Phasuang Monastic Residence (Phra Borommathat Chedi Sri Phupasuang, Phra That Chompha) in Dong Mafai Village, Makluea Mai Subdistrict, Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Although a considerable time has passed, no response has been received. The foundation respectfully requests an update on the investigation outcome, and any official response would be greatly appreciated.