Ex-Buddhism chief Nopparat Benjawatananun extradited from the US to Thailand to face trial for embezzling more than ฿30 million in temple funds, highlighting a sweeping crackdown on corruption and proving no official, regardless of rank, is above the law.
The extradition of former National Office of Buddhism chief Nopparat Benjawatananun on Sunday sends a clear warning: Thailand will hunt corruption wherever it hides. He fled to the US after a 2017 NACC investigation and was charged with misappropriating over ฿30 million in temple funds. Arrested in Texas in April 2025, he was cleared for extradition in September. Thai officials brought him home Saturday, and on Sunday, he was in local custody, ready to face Thai justice. The case marks a turning point, showing no official is above the law, and highlights the power of international cooperation in tackling corruption.
Former National Office of Buddhism chief Nopparat was handed over to Thai law enforcement officials by US marshals in the United States on Saturday to face trial. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) coordinated his extradition from the United States in cooperation with the Royal Thai Police’s Foreign Affairs Division and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). This marks a major step in Thailand’s fight against high-level corruption.
Mr. Nopparat is accused of diverting government funds intended for the restoration and development of more than 65 temples.
Specifically, prosecutors claim he misappropriated subsidies for Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan and 64 other religious sites. Consequently, millions of baht meant for public and religious purposes were allegedly redirected for personal gain.
Former Buddhism chief faces trial after allegedly diverting millions from more than sixty-five temples
The scandal first emerged from a 2017 NACC investigation, which revealed irregularities in temple fund allocations. Moreover, investigators found that Mr. Nopparat and several associates allegedly conspired to misuse state resources. After the allegations surfaced, he fled abroad, eventually being confirmed in the United States.
In December 2023, the NACC formally charged him with embezzling ฿30 million. Subsequently, prosecutors filed the case with the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 7. Accordingly, the court issued a warrant for his arrest. This formal charge escalated the case, making it one of Thailand’s most high-profile anti-corruption efforts in recent years.
In April 2025, US Marshals detained Mr. Nopparat while he was receiving medical treatment in Texas. At that point, Thai authorities immediately submitted an extradition request under the Extradition Act of 2008. By early September, US authorities approved the request. Consequently, Thai officials travelled to the United States on Saturday to escort him home for trial.
The NACC officially received Mr. Nopparat on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Surapong Intarathaworn, Deputy Secretary-General and spokesperson, confirmed he would now face prosecution in Thailand. He emphasised that the case is widely known as the “Temple Money Kickback Case,” given the alleged diversion of substantial public funds.
Full timeline of NACC investigation and extradition shows years of alleged temple fund misappropriation
The OAG expressed gratitude to all involved agencies, including US authorities. They noted that the extradition demonstrates Thailand’s determination to pursue fugitives and uphold justice. Furthermore, officials highlighted the effectiveness of international law enforcement cooperation.
To ensure proper legal proceedings, the NACC assigned key personnel to manage the case. Nitiphan Prachuapmoh, Deputy Secretary-General, is coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General, the Royal Thai Police, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, Pattanapong Chanpetchpool, Assistant Secretary-General, oversees coordination with prosecutors and investigative offices. Consequently, authorities can ensure Mr. Nopparat is brought to court without delay.
In addition to prosecution, the NACC plans to seize, freeze, and recover assets obtained through corruption. They stated that all actions will comply with international standards, including the 2003 United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Because both Thailand and the United States are state parties, cooperation in asset recovery was facilitated efficiently.
NACC coordinates prosecution and international asset recovery to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement
Legal analysts say the extradition emphasises Thailand’s commitment to holding former officials accountable. Moreover, it sends a clear message that financial misconduct in religious institutions will not be tolerated.
The scandal has drawn widespread public attention and criticism, particularly regarding weak oversight mechanisms in temple fund management.
Prosecutors also note the case involves a network of alleged intermediaries and beneficiaries. Accordingly, they continue to investigate whether additional officials or private actors were involved.
The NACC has vowed to pursue all leads, ensuring that any misappropriated funds are returned to the public. This step is crucial to restoring trust in government-managed temple programs.
Trial of Nopparat will examine networks of intermediaries and scrutinise years of alleged corruption
The trial will take place at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 7. Prosecutors will present evidence gathered over years of investigation, including financial records, audit reports, and witness statements. Moreover, legal observers expect the trial to draw both domestic and international scrutiny because of its precedent-setting potential.
Meanwhile, the scandal has intensified public debate over transparency in religious and cultural funding. Advocates argue that stronger safeguards are necessary to prevent similar abuses. Therefore, the government has pledged continued reforms and stricter enforcement of anti-corruption measures. The prosecution of Mr. Nopparat is an important example of this renewed commitment.
As he faces trial, the NACC continues to coordinate with law enforcement to track and reclaim assets obtained through corruption. Additionally, officials stress that justice will be pursued swiftly and fully in compliance with domestic and international law. The case demonstrates the importance of coordination among international agencies in complex corruption matters.
Nopparat’s return marks a milestone in anti-corruption campaigning and rewards prosecution efforts
The return of Nopparat Benjawatananun is certainly a milestone in Thailand’s anti-corruption campaign. It illustrates the government’s capacity to pursue fugitives abroad and secure international cooperation.
Furthermore, it signals that no official, regardless of rank, is above the law. Observers note that the case will likely reshape public perception of accountability in state-managed religious institutions.
Ultimately, the temple fund scandal highlights systemic vulnerabilities in oversight and governance. Since 2023, and particularly this year, the problem has become even more evident to the public. A series of national scandals has indeed rocked public confidence to its core.
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However, this prosecution and asset recovery effort shows that Thai authorities are willing to confront these challenges directly. Consequently, this case will remain a defining moment in Thailand’s efforts to combat corruption and protect public resources. Of course, it will be followed by the trial of several high-profile monks and a woman, known as the female patron of Buddhist orders, at the centre of recent scandals during the summer.
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