Thai Monk Arrested Over Alleged 92 Million Baht Embezzlement and Money Laundering
Thai Monk Arrested Over Alleged 92 Million Baht Embezzlement and Money Laundering
AYUTTHAYA, Sept. 10, 2026 — Police arrested the abbot of a prominent royal temple in Ayutthaya province on Thursday over allegations that more than 92 million baht (about US$2.9 million) in temple funds were misappropriated and transferred to a close female associate.
Officers from Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) moved into Wat Phutthaisawan at about 6 a.m. and arrested Phra Wachirayan W., also known as Luang Pho Atichot Thammaparo, the 66-year-old abbot, under an arrest warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 1 on Sept. 8, according to police.
The monk faces charges including alleged embezzlement of property by a public official, misconduct or dereliction of duty, abuse of official authority, conspiracy to launder money and jointly laundering money, police said.
Investigators allege that the abbot diverted temple funds for personal use and subsequently handed the money to a close female associate to conceal or transform the assets. Police estimated the resulting damage at more than 92 million baht.
The investigation reportedly began after police received information about suspected financial misconduct. Officers then conducted a covert investigation and gathered evidence before seeking the arrest warrant.
Police said that over a period of more than two years, more than 20 unauthorised donation-receipt certificates were allegedly issued in the temple’s name, causing losses exceeding 92 million baht.
During the operation, investigators also examined CCTV footage from the abbot’s quarters. Thai media reported that the footage allegedly showed the monk engaging in intimate conduct with the woman described as his close associate. Police said they were continuing to search the temple for additional evidence.
Police also detained the woman, who is allegedly connected to the movement of the temple funds, and planned to take her to the CIB for questioning. Investigators were continuing to examine financial transactions and other evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged scheme.
The arrest has drawn particular attention because Wat Phutthaisawan is a royal temple in Ayutthaya, while the abbot is also known among devotees for religious amulets, including the popular “Nuea Duang” series. Thai media have reported that his arrest has prompted renewed scrutiny of his background and activities.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations have yet to be established in court.
The arrest comes as Thai authorities continue to scrutinise alleged financial misconduct involving religious institutions, with investigators expected to examine the movement of the funds and determine whether additional people were involved.
The abbot was scheduled to be taken to the CIB for further questioning following the search and arrest operation.
Khaosod
