A 66-year-old Thai monk, Phra Wachirayan Wi, has confessed to a two-year relationship with a woman after footage of them together inside his temple, Wat Phutthaisawan, was widely broadcast. Authorities arrested the abbot on Thursday on charges including embezzlement and money laundering, according to lead investigator Pattanasak Bupphasuwan.
The woman, 47, is accused of assisting in the conversion and concealment of funds intended for the monastery. Police initially discovered 92 million baht (approximately $2.1 million) but now estimate the total to be 215 million baht (around $4.8 million).
Authorities also seized a significant amount of valuables, including gold, necklaces, rings, gemstones, and land deeds from the woman's residence during a raid. The seized assets included gold weighing 90 baht, cash, and other valuables.
The investigation began in mid-July following an anonymous tip alleging misconduct and misuse of temple funds. Investigators identified two financial streams linked to donation receipts issued in the temple's name: approximately 89 million baht ($2 million) for renovations and 2.8 million baht ($63,000) from sales of Buddhist amulets and sacred objects. Pattanasak stated that none of this money entered the temple's official accounts.
Wat Phutthaisawan, located in Ayutthaya, is a prominent royal monastery with a notable following, including government officials, businesspeople, and military personnel. The former abbot, also known as Luang Pho Atichot, was known for creating amulets, reportedly worn by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Phra Wachirayan Wi was defrocked shortly after his arrest and has not yet commented publicly. Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Nattasak Chaowanasai stated that the investigation would expand to identify other involved individuals and work to restore public confidence in Buddhism.
This case marks the latest scandal to affect the clergy in the Buddhist-majority nation. Last year, a sex and extortion case involving senior monks generated public outrage and calls for increased oversight of temple finances. In a separate incident last year, a monk known for establishing an HIV/AIDS hospice was arrested on allegations of misusing donations. That monk, Luang Phor Alongkot, denied wrongdoing and was forced to disrobe before formal charges could be laid.