Lawyer sues Lamphun abbot for destroying ancient artifacts

MGR Online•Society•31m ago

Reader Briefing

A lawyer filed a police report against the abbot of Wat Nong Ngueak in Lamphun for destroying century-old artifacts without legal permission.

•Charoen Chomchan-yong filed a complaint at Pa Sang Police Station on November 13.
•The abbot of Wat Nong Ngueak is accused of destroying ancient artifacts and dereliction of duty.
•The damage involves a vihara roof and a glass-decorated base (Thukchi) over 100 years old.
•The demolition occurred between March and June 2025 without permission from the Fine Arts Department.

•Charoen Chomchan-yong, a 67-year-old lawyer, submitted evidence to Pol.Capt. Atthapol Bunyuen at Pa Sang Police Station on November 13.
•Charoen Chomchan-yong accused the abbot of Wat Nong Ngueak of destroying invaluable ancient artifacts and neglecting official duties.
•The demolition of the vihara roof and the glass-decorated base occurred between March and June 2025.
•The vihara roof damage is estimated at over 5 million baht, while the value of the ancient glass base is considered immeasurable.
•The demolition was carried out by contractors despite opposition from local villagers.
•The abbot of Wat Nong Ngueak and the committee failed to obtain permits from the Fine Arts Department, the Sangha administration, and the municipality under the Building Control Act 1979.
•The demolition and reconstruction have already been completed.
•Charoen Chomchan-yong is pursuing legal proceedings based on gathered evidence.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Charoen Chomchan-yong(เจริญ จอมจันทร์ยอง)

A 67-year-old lawyer and Buddhist who filed the complaint against the abbot.

Atthapol Bunyuen(อรรถพล บุญยืน)

Deputy Inquiry Officer at Pa Sang Police Station who received the complaint.

Pa Sang Police Station(สภ.ป่าซาง)

The police station where the legal complaint was filed.

Fine Arts Department(กรมศิลปากร)ℹ️

The government agency from which permission for demolition was not obtained.

Wat Nong Ngueak(วัดหนองเงือก)

A temple located in Moo 5, Mae Rang Subdistrict, Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province.

Lamphun(ลำพูน)ℹ️

The province where the events took place.

Building Control Act 1979(พ.ร.บ.ควบคุมอาคาร 2522)

The law under which demolition and construction permits are required from the municipality.