A senior Buddhist monk in Thailand has been arrested on charges of embezzlement and money laundering after leaked CCTV footage appeared to show him engaging in sexual activity with a woman. The 66-year-old abbot of the 14th-century Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, identified as Phra Wachirayan Wi, was taken into custody on Thursday along with a 47-year-old woman accused of assisting in concealing the funds.
The scandal has ignited public outrage in Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist nation where monks adhere to vows of celibacy and renunciation of material possessions. Police initiated an investigation in mid-July following an anonymous tip alleging misconduct and misuse of temple funds. Investigators identified two financial streams associated with 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.
According to Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, lead police investigator and commander of the Crime Suppression Division, neither of these funds entered the temple's official account. Authorities have seized assets valued at approximately 215 million baht (£4.8 million), including gold bars, jewelry, and land deeds, which are currently being examined to determine if they are personal property or belonged to the temple.
Wat Phutthaisawan is a significant royal monastery with a substantial following, including government officials and military personnel. The former abbot, also known as Luang Pho Atichot, was reportedly known for creating amulets, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said to be among his patrons. Phra Wachirayan Wi was defrocked shortly after his arrest. He has not yet commented on the allegations.
This incident follows a series of scandals involving the clergy in Thailand. Last year, a woman was arrested for allegedly blackmailing monks and extorting nearly $12 million. In another case from last year, a monk known for establishing an HIV/AIDS hospice was arrested on suspicion of misusing donations for the project.