Thai police have arrested a Buddhist monk, formerly the abbot of a prominent 14th-century temple, on suspicion of embezzling approximately 100 million baht ($3 million) from his monastery. The monk, identified as Phra Wachirayan Wi, is also accused of pocketing donations meant for temple renovations and amulet sales over a two-year period.
Authorities allege that Phra Wachirayan issued donation receipts in the temple's name, but the funds did not enter the monastery's official accounts. Police investigators stated they launched their inquiry in mid-July following an anonymous tip regarding alleged misconduct and misuse of temple funds. During a raid on Phra Wachirayan's residence on Thursday, police discovered cash and gold bars valued at over 100 million baht. The counting of seized assets continued late into the night.
In addition to the alleged embezzlement, police also arrested a 47-year-old woman, Punyavee Rungrueang, who is accused of abetting a state official in illegal activities. Police found CCTV footage at Phra Wachirayan's residence that showed him having sexual relations with Rungrueang, an act that violates the Buddhist monastic vow of celibacy and renunciation of material possessions. Phra Wachirayan was defrocked following his arrest.
Authorities believe Rungrueang assisted Phra Wachirayan in managing the embezzled funds, with tens of millions of baht reportedly circulating through her bank accounts annually. Police also seized 35 gold amulets, approximately 1.5 kilograms of gold bars, and jewelry worth an estimated 6.04 million baht from Rungrueang's home.
Phra Wachirayan, 66, was known for creating highly sought-after coin amulets, some of which are reportedly owned by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. As monks in Thailand often receive government stipends, they are considered state officials, making embezzlement a crime against the state.
This case comes more than a year after another scandal involving senior monks who were caught in a sex and blackmail scheme. In July of the previous year, a hotline was established for public reports of "misbehaving monks" after at least nine were found to have engaged in sexual acts with a woman who then allegedly attempted to blackmail them for nearly $12 million. Thailand's Buddhist institution has faced persistent reports of monks violating celibacy vows, engaging in drug trafficking, and committing financial crimes.