HIV Patients Moving from Controversial Thai Temple due to Scandals

In a surprising turn of events, HIV patients at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, a well-known Aids hospice in Lop Buri, are being transferred to the state public health system and various foundations due to a drop in donations. This decision was made following the emergence of a financial scandal linked to the former abbot, Luang Phor Alongkot.

Luang Phor Alongkot, who founded the hospice in 1992, was arrested last month on charges of embezzlement and money laundering. The drop in donations occurred soon after, leading to a severe crisis of faith among Buddhist believers, resulting in a dramatic drop in public donations.

The bedridden or dependent patients currently number 13, and they will be cared for by four specific foundations. Self-sufficient patients will be coordinated by other foundations for care. The initial plan includes managing patients under the Thammarak Nivet 2 project, with the provincial offices of the Public Health and Social Development, and Human Security ministries taking responsibility.

Lop Buri deputy governor Pratchaya Pepatung presided over a meeting at the temple to ensure that all its remaining patients will continue to receive proper care. The police are expediting their investigation into the case, and the investigation is aimed to be completed before a meeting of the new Centre for the Protection and Promotion of Buddhism next week.

The entire process of transferring patients to government and foundation facilities will take time to ensure the patients understand the situation and are guided carefully through medical procedures. It's important to note that, as of the provided search results, the four foundations that will take care of bedridden or dependent HIV patients from Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu after donations nearly stopped have not been explicitly named.

Despite the ongoing challenges, a recent donation of 500 kilogrammes of rice from the Lop Buri Relief Foundation Committee has been made to alleviate the temple's hardship. The HIV patients and the temple community are hopeful for a brighter future as they navigate this transition period.