AYUTTHAYA, Thailand — A prominent Thai abbot has been arrested in a major corruption and money-laundering investigation after authorities alleged that more than 92 million baht (about US$2.5 million) in temple funds was misappropriated and transferred to a close female associate.
The case took an even more dramatic turn after police said they had also uncovered alleged video evidence involving sexual relations inside the abbot’s residence.
The suspect, Phra Wachirayan, also known as Luang Pho Atichoti, is the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a prominent royal temple in Thailand’s ancient capital of Ayutthaya. He was taken into custody on September 10 following an arrest warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 1.
Police Allege 92 Million Baht Was Taken From Temple Funds
According to Thai authorities, investigators found evidence alleging that temple money was diverted for personal use and transferred to a close female associate.
Authorities said the suspected financial losses exceeded 92 million baht.
The abbot faces allegations including embezzlement or misappropriation of property by a public official, misconduct or abuse of official duties, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Investigators said they had been examining the temple’s financial activities after receiving information about possible irregularities.
Thai media reported that authorities were also investigating the alleged use of donation certificates and the movement of money connected to the temple.
Female Associate Also Detained
The investigation has expanded beyond the abbot.
Thai PBS reported that police also arrested a close female associate under allegations of assisting in the suspected misappropriation of temple funds and money laundering.
Investigators reportedly found significant sums moving through accounts linked to the woman, prompting authorities to examine whether temple funds had been transferred or disguised through other names or financial channels.
Alleged Sexual Conduct Evidence Adds to Scandal
The case also involves allegations of sexual misconduct.
Authorities said investigators had obtained video or CCTV evidence that allegedly showed the abbot engaging in sexual relations with a woman inside his residence at the temple.
Police were continuing to search the premises for additional evidence at the time of the reports.
The alleged conduct is separate from the financial accusations but has intensified public attention surrounding the arrest of the high-profile religious figure.
Police Raid Began Early Wednesday Morning
The arrest operation began at around 6am on September 10, when officers moved into Wat Phutthaisawan in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.
The temple is a well-known royal monastery and an important religious and historical site in the former Thai capital.
Authorities detained the abbot at the temple and continued searching the premises as part of the investigation.
Investigation Could Expand Further
Thai authorities are now expected to continue examining financial records and assets connected to the case.
Reports indicate investigators may seek to trace the alleged flow of funds and determine whether additional assets should be frozen or seized as part of the money-laundering investigation.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations have yet to be tested through Thailand’s full judicial process.
Why the Case Is Sending Shockwaves Through Thailand
Thailand’s Buddhist temples play a central role in religious and community life, with prominent monks often commanding significant public trust and overseeing substantial donations.
That makes allegations involving millions of baht in temple funds particularly sensitive.
The arrest of an abbot from a prominent Ayutthaya temple — combined with allegations of financial misconduct, money laundering and sexual conduct — has turned the case into one of Thailand’s most closely watched religious scandals.
The Bottom Line
A prominent Ayutthaya abbot has been arrested after Thai authorities alleged that more than 92 million baht in temple funds was misappropriated and transferred to a close female associate.
The investigation has also been intensified by alleged video evidence of sexual conduct inside the abbot’s temple residence.
The abbot and a female associate now face allegations connected to the financial investigation, while police continue examining evidence and tracing the alleged movement of money.
But as investigators dig deeper into the temple’s finances, the biggest question remains: will the alleged 92 million baht scandal uncover an even wider network — and who else may be connected to the missing funds?
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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