Thai Buddhist abbot arrested over $2.8m temple funds and sex scandal

Thai police have arrested a senior Buddhist monk, Phra Wachirayan Wi, 66, on suspicion of embezzling US$2.8 million intended for his monastery. The arrest also involves a 47-year-old woman believed to have been having a sexual relationship with the monk. The pair are accused of using the money for temple renovations and purchasing Buddhist amulets, among other things.

Police received an anonymous tip in mid-July, prompting an investigation that revealed two streams of money linked to donation receipts. However, neither stream of money entered the temple's account; none of the US$2.8 million reached its destination.

Investigations have led to the seizure of assets worth around 215 million baht, including 16 kilograms of gold and 28 land title deeds. It remains unclear whether these assets belong to the monk or the temple. Police intend to expand the investigation to identify other individuals involved and restore public confidence in Buddhism.

The former abbot, known as Luang Pho Atichot, was defrocked following his arrest. He was well-regarded for creating amulets, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul among his supporters. Last year, a separate case involving a woman accused of blackmailing 11 monks for nearly US$12 million in monastery funds also made headlines, sparking outrage and calls for increased oversight of temple finances.