Ex-abbot’s story to be removed from school textbooks

The Education Ministry will remove content from Grade 5 textbooks featuring a controversial former abbot of an AIDS hospice temple in Lop Buri, as he now faces criminal charges related to corruption and money laundering, Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat announced today.

According to the minister, the former abbot was previously praised for his dedication to caring for HIV-infected patients and was widely recognized as a selfless, volunteer-minded figure.

However, the former monk, Luang Por Alongkot—who has since left the monkhood—is currently under investigation for misconduct, including concealing his true background and abandoning his duties.

His story was originally included in the curriculum as an example of civic virtue, but the minister emphasized that he can no longer be held up as a moral or ethical role model for students.

“Including such content risks confusing society and misleading young people,” Minister Narumon stated.

After consultations with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), it was decided that the material is no longer appropriate for schoolbooks.