Thai temple donations under scrutiny as online giving grows

As online merit-making in Thailand becomes increasingly popular, local authorities say convenience should not come at the expense of caution. Donors are advised to check whether a receiving account belongs to a temple and whether the temple is registered in the Revenue Department’s e-donation system. The warning follows concerns raised by the Central Investigation Bureau that money intended for temples may not always be used for its intended purpose when transferred into personal accounts.

Online donations are easy, but check before you transfer

Making merit or donating to a temple can now be done in seconds by scanning a QR code or transferring money through a mobile banking application. However, that convenience also brings risks if donors do not verify whether the destination account belongs to the temple or to another individual.

The Central Investigation Bureau has advised Buddhist devotees to carefully check donation details before every transfer. Thai authorities recommend donating directly to temple bank accounts that are registered with the Revenue Department’s e-donation system.

Particular caution is advised when donation campaigns ask people to transfer money into personal accounts belonging to monks, private individuals or organisations other than the temple itself. Even when donors are told that a donation certificate can be issued, authorities say the details should be verified before any payment is made.

What is e-donation and how can it help?

E-donation is the Revenue Department’s electronic donation system, which records donations made to participating organisations. The database includes various registered recipients, including religious institutions such as temples.

For people wishing to support a temple, checking whether the institution appears in the e-donation system can provide an additional layer of confidence before making a transfer.

The Revenue Department says that when a temple is registered with the system and donations are made through approved channels, the electronic record can be used as evidence for tax deduction purposes. Donors do not need to submit separate donation documents to tax officials.

The Revenue Department’s e-donation electronic donation system.

Four checks before making a donation

1. Check the account name

If you intend to donate to a Thai temple, make sure that the account name matches the temple or the registered organisation you wish to support, rather than an individual’s account without a clear explanation.

2. Check official temple channels

If a QR code or bank account number is shared on social media, do not rush to transfer money. Verify the information through the temple’s official website, social media page or other recognised communication channels.

3. Check the temple in the e-donation system

The Revenue Department maintains a database of registered donation recipients, including religious institutions. Donors can use this information as part of their verification process.

4. Be cautious of personal accounts

If donation appeals request transfers to the personal accounts of monks, private individuals or anyone claiming to collect funds on behalf of a temple, donors should pause and verify the information, especially if there is no direct confirmation from the temple.

Paper certificates no longer valid for tax deductions

Another point donors should note is that the promise of receiving a donation certificate should not be a reason to transfer money without checking the destination account.

Since Jan 1, 2026, the Revenue Department has revised donation rules for tax deduction purposes. Paper donation certificates are no longer accepted as supporting documents. Donations to temples, foundations, associations, funds and other eligible organisations must be made through the e-donation system to qualify for tax benefits.

As a result, taxpayers who submit paper donation certificates with their tax deduction claims will find the documents no longer recognised by tax authorities. The reform aims to improve tax refund procedures, reduce the use of inaccurate donation documents, and lower risks associated with money laundering or the misuse of donated funds.

Authorities also encourage extra caution when fundraisers claim they can issue donation certificates while directing money into a monk’s personal account or the account of another individual instead of an official temple account. Donors should first verify whether the account is genuinely authorised to receive donations on behalf of the temple and how the money will ultimately be transferred to the temple.

Source: ตำรวจสอบสวนกลาง, สรรพากรแนะชาวพุทธ บริจาคเงินผ่าน QR Code ชื่อบัญชีวัด