Former Thai Abbot Arrested in $3 Million Temple Fund Embezzlement Scandal

Thai police have arrested a Buddhist monk and a suspected female accomplice on suspicion of embezzling 100 million baht ($3 million) from a prominent monastery, in a scandal that also involves allegations of sexual misconduct.

Phra Wachirayan Wi, a former abbot of the historic 14th-century Wat Phutthaisawan temple in Ayutthaya, is accused of pocketing donations intended for the temple on more than 20 occasions over a two-year period. In Thailand, Buddhist monks are expected to adhere to a vow of celibacy and renounce material possessions. Following his arrest, Phra Wachirayan was defrocked, and he has yet to make a public statement.

The arrest comes just over a year after another high-profile sex and blackmail scandal involving senior monks rocked the country’s monastic community. The 66-year-old monk was renowned for crafting highly sought-after coin amulets, some of which are reportedly owned by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Thailand’s Buddhist institutions have long faced challenges with reports of monks violating their vows of celibacy, trafficking drugs, or engaging in financial malpractice. In July of last year, authorities established a hotline to report “misbehaving monks” following the discovery that at least nine monks had been involved in a sexual relationship with a woman who subsequently blackmailed them with explicit photos and videos for nearly $12 million.

According to police, two distinct streams of money were linked to donation receipts issued by Phra Wachirayan in the temple’s name: one designated for temple renovations and another for sacred amulets and religious objects. However, investigators revealed that none of these funds ever reached the temple’s official accounts.

“Not a single baht entered the temple’s account,” lead police investigator Pattanasak Bupphasuwan stated during a news conference. During a raid on Phra Wachirayan’s residence, police seized cash and gold bars valued at over 100 million baht, with counting efforts continuing late into the night.

While reviewing CCTV footage from the residence, authorities discovered a video clip showing the monk engaging in sexual activity with a woman on his dining table. The woman was identified as 47-year-old Punyavee Rungrueang, who has been arrested and charged with abetting a state official in illegal activities. Because Thai monks receive government stipends, they are legally classified as state officials. Punyavee has also remained silent regarding the allegations.

Police seized 35 gold amulets, along with approximately 1.5 kilograms of gold bars and jewelry valued at an estimated 6.04 million baht, from Punyavee’s home. Investigators believe she assisted Phra Wachirayan in managing the embezzled funds, with tens of millions of baht flowing through her personal bank accounts annually.

The investigation was initiated in mid-July following an anonymous tip alleging misconduct and the misuse of temple funds by Phra Wachirayan. Authorities suggest that two or three additional individuals may be involved in the ongoing investigation.

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