A former monk in Thailand, Alongkot Poonmook, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for misusing donations meant for an HIV/AIDS care facility he founded. The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases delivered the verdict on October 7, 2026, marking the maximum sentence allowed by law.

Alongkot, who previously held the monastic name Phra Ratcha Wisutthiprachanat, was found guilty of multiple charges related to embezzlement and money laundering. He was arrested last year alongside his accomplice, Seksan Sapsubbsakul, who was responsible for fundraising for the project.

The court determined that Alongkot should repay over 300 million baht (approximately $9 million) to the care facility at Wat Phra Bat Namphu in Lopburi province, where he previously served as abbot. The facility, established in 1992, was once regarded as a pioneering humanitarian project but has faced scrutiny due to financial misconduct.

Although the court initially imposed a total sentence of 742 years on Alongkot and over 386 years on Seksan, legal provisions capped their sentences at 50 years. The scandal has tarnished the reputation of the temple, which is known for its charitable activities, including educational support for underprivileged children.

This case gained significant attention after concerns about the management of funds for the care facility surfaced on social media, prompting an investigation. The Central Investigation Bureau conducted searches at 17 locations in Bangkok and surrounding areas, seizing assets valued at over 10 billion baht (approximately $7.7 trillion) to be returned to the temple.