AYUTTHAYA: Police arrested a 66-year-old senior monk and abbot of a historic royal temple in Ayutthaya early Thursday on charges of embezzling more than 92 million baht in temple funds, along with a female associate captured on security footage having sex with him inside his monastic quarters.
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau’s Crime Suppression Division raided the residence of Phra Wachirayan (Atichot Thammavaro), widely known as Luang Por Chot or Luang Pho Atichot, at Wat Phutthaisawan around 6 a.m. The temple is an ancient royal monastery in tambon Samphao Lom, Muang district. He holds the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Ratchakhana, ordinary class.
The arrest warrant, issued September 8th by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, lists charges including embezzlement of property by a public official, misconduct or neglect of duty, acting improperly as a state official, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering.
Investigators said the monk allegedly issued more than 20 unauthorized donation certificates in the temple’s name over more than two years, causing losses exceeding 92 million baht. Temple funds were diverted for personal use and transferred to the woman to conceal or convert the assets, police said. Tens of millions of baht circulated through her bank accounts each year.
The woman, identified as Punyavee, 47, was also arrested. She faces charges of supporting official embezzlement and misconduct as well as conspiracy to launder money.
During the raid, officers reviewed CCTV footage from inside the abbot’s quarters. It showed the pair engaging in sexual activity, including on a table also used for meals. Thai media published stills from the footage and noted that clips circulated widely on social media.
Thai-language reports pointed out the abbot’s prominence as the originator of the well-known “Nuea Duang” (“above luck”) Jatukam Ramathep amulet. Photos taken at the scene showed an elaborate dining setup with gold-rimmed plates and a variety of dishes resembling a Chinese banquet, including steamed and fried fish, shabu, and sour curry. Local reaction included expressions of disappointment from residents who had made merit at the temple. Authorities prepared white robes for a possible defrocking ceremony and planned to expand the inquiry, including asset freezes. A press conference was scheduled for Friday.
The case is the latest in a series of high-profile scandals involving senior Thai monks and temple finances. Police said they continued searching the temple for additional evidence and would take the suspects to the Crime Suppression Division for questioning.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
