Thai abbot arrested in US$2.8mil embezzlement, sex scandal

Thailand's police have arrested a 66-year-old Buddhist monk, Phra Wachirayan Wi, on suspicion of embezzling US$2.8 million intended for his monastery and having sex with a woman he was allegedly collaborating with. Phra Wachirayan is the abbot of the 14th-century Wat Phutthaisawan temple in Ayutthaya, a prominent royal monastery with a large following, including government officials and business people.

The arrest came after an anonymous tip led to investigation in mid-July. Police found that 89 million baht (US$2.69 million) donated for temple renovations and 2.8 million baht for Buddhist amulets and other sacred objects did not enter the temple's account. Instead, the money was allegedly laundered by Phra Wachirayan and the woman, who was arrested alongside him.

CCTV footage of the pair having sex in the monk's residence was widely broadcast. Police have seized assets worth about 215 million baht, including 16 kilogrammes of gold bars and jewellery and 28 land title deeds. The investigation is ongoing to identify other individuals involved and restore public confidence in Buddhism. Phra Wachirayan, known for making amulets, was defrocked following his arrest.