Dhammajayo no-show fuels mystery over ex-abbot's whereabouts

Rare update on ageing former abbot linked to major financial scandal

PUBLISHED : 15 Nov 2026 at 17:21

Former Wat Phra Dhammakaya abbot Phra Dhammajayo was unable to attend a major temple ceremony this month because of health concerns, despite expectations among followers that he might make a rare appearance, a spokesman for his disciples said.

Phra Dhammajayo, 82, disappeared in 2017 after failing to answer money-laundering and receiving stolen property charges linked to the huge Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative embezzlement scandal.

Preparations had been made for the former abbot to attend the annual kathin robe-offering ceremony at Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani on Nov 1, Ong-art Dhammanitta, a spokesman for the Dhammakaya disciples, told the Global Buddhist Network (GBN) programme Sen Tharng Boon (Path of Merit) on Sunday.

According to Mr Ong-art, followers had hoped the former abbot would attend the ceremony and had prepared a reception area for him at the temple. They were later informed that his health did not permit him to appear at the event.

He said followers would be informed if there were any confirmed plans for them to meet or pay respect to the former abbot in the future.

In March this year, the Department of Special Investigation announced that criminal proceedings against the former abbot had been terminated after the 15-year statute of limitations expired. Authorities spent years trying unsuccessfully to locate him, including a three-week search of Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani in 2017.

Despite the end of the criminal case, the former abbot has remained out of public view, fuelling continuing speculation over his whereabouts and health.