Thai police arrested Phra Wachirayan Wi, former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, on suspicion of embezzling about 100 million baht (~$3m) from temple donations and detained a 47-year-old woman filmed with him. Officers found cash and gold bars worth over 100 million baht at the monk's residence and seized amulets and gold from the woman's home. Investigators say two donation streams intended for renovations and amulets never reached temple accounts; the probe began after an anonymous tip and may involve additional suspects.
Ex-Abbot Arrested in Alleged 100 Million Baht Embezzlement and Sex Scandal at Ayutthaya Temple
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Thai police have arrested Phra Wachirayan Wi, the former abbot of the historic 14th-century Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, on suspicion of embezzling 100 million baht (about $3m; £2.2m) in donations from his temple. Authorities also detained a 47-year-old woman filmed with the monk during a sexual encounter; the monk was subsequently defrocked and has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Details of the Allegations
Police allege that Phra Wachirayan diverted donations on more than 20 occasions over a two-year period. Investigators traced two distinct streams of funds tied to donation receipts issued in the temple's name—one intended for renovation work and another for payments for amulets and sacred objects—but say none of the money reached the temple accounts.
Lead investigator Pattanasak Bupphasuwan told reporters that the money from both streams did not enter the temple account, adding that not a single baht was deposited.
Seized Evidence
During a raid on the monk's residence, police discovered cash and gold bars valued at more than 100 million baht, with counting continuing late into the night, according to local media. Officers also reviewed CCTV footage that reportedly shows the monk having sex with a woman on his dining table.
Authorities identified the woman as Punyavee Rungrueang, who has been arrested on charges of abetting a state official in illegal activities. From her home, police seized 35 gold amulets and roughly 1.5 kg of gold bars and jewellery, with an estimated value of about 6.04 million baht.
Investigation and Broader Context
Investigators say the probe began in mid-July after an anonymous tip accused the monk of misconduct and misuse of temple funds. Police indicated that two to three other people may be involved as inquiries continue.
The case comes amid growing public scrutiny of Thailand's Buddhist order, which has faced repeated reports of monks violating vows, engaging in financial crimes and other misconduct. In response to earlier scandals, authorities previously set up hotlines to report misbehaving monks.
Note: Many Thai monks receive government stipends and are classified as state officials under Thai law, which affects potential charges and penalties.
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