Ayutthaya abbot held in embezzlement and sex scandal
A 66-year-old abbot accused of embezzling 92 million baht from a well-known temple in Ayutthaya was arrested on Thursday, along with a female aide who was seen having sex with the monk in security video taken in his quarters.
Ayutthaya — On Thursday morning, police arrested the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a prominent temple in Ayutthaya province, on charges of embezzlement, abuse of official duties, and money laundering. The investigation, which lasted more than two years, uncovered that the monk, Phra Wachirayan W., allegedly diverted over 92 million baht from temple funds for personal use.
The accused then allegedly passed the funds to a close female associate to conceal the assets, resulting in significant damage to the temple's finances. Police obtained a warrant from the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 1 on 8 September 2026, leading to the arrest at 06:00. During the arrest, CCTV footage was reviewed, revealing the abbot engaging in intimate conduct with the associate.
The associate, along with the monk, is being questioned by police, and further evidence is being sought at the temple. The abbot is also known for the temple's "Nuea Duang" amulets, which have gained popularity among devotees.
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- Ayutthaya abbot arrested over 92 million baht transferred to woman thethaiger.com
- Ayutthaya abbot arrested over alleged embezzlement and money laundering khaosodenglish.com
