{
  "id": 6793794,
  "title": "Buddhist monk arrested in suspected $3m embezzlement scandal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/buddhist-monk-arrested-in-suspected-3m-embezzlement-scandal-6793794",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T19:12:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/buddhist-monk-arrested-in-suspected-3m-embezzlement-scandal/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thai police have apprehended a Buddhist monk, Phra Wachirayan Wi, on suspicion of embezzling 100 million baht ($3m) from his monastery, Wat Phutthaisawan, in Ayutthaya. The 66-year-old, known for crafting a sought-after coin amulet, allegedly misappropriated donations for over 20 times within a two-year period. He was defrocked upon his arrest and has yet to make a statement. This incident follows a similar high-profile case involving senior monks in Thailand last year, where sex and blackmail allegations led to police setting up a hotline for citizens to report misconduct. In July last year, an anonymous tip prompted police to investigate Phra Wachirayan, who defied his vow of celibacy and renunciation of material possessions. Police seized more than 100 million baht in cash and gold bars, and identified Punyavee Rungrueang, 47, as a suspected female accomplice who allegedly helped manage the embezzled funds. She faces charges of assisting a state official in illegal activities.",
  "summary": "Thai police have arrested a Buddhist monk on suspicion of embezzling 100 million baht ($3m; £2.2m) from his monastery, along with a suspected female accomplice he was filmed having sex with.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC World",
        "title": "Buddhist monk arrested in suspected $3m embezzlement scandal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/buddhist-monk-arrested-in-suspected-3m-embezzlement-scandal",
        "published": "2026-09-11T10:50:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}