Wat Phutthaisawan abbot arrested in THB92m temple funds case
Police arrested the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya over alleged embezzlement of more than THB92 million and money laundering.
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police arrested the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal monastery in Ayutthaya, on Thursday (September 10) over allegations that he embezzled more than THB92 million in temple funds and transferred money to a woman close to him.
The 66-year-old monk, identified as Phra Wachirayan, also known as Luang Pho Atichot Dhammavaro, was detained in his monastic residence under an arrest warrant issued by an anti-corruption court on September 8, 2026. He holds the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Ratchakhana, ordinary class.
The charges include misappropriating property as an official, wrongful or corrupt performance or omission of official duties, wrongful performance or omission of duties as a state official, conspiracy to launder money and jointly laundering money.
Investigation centres on donation receipts
Police began a covert investigation after receiving information alleging that the abbot had misappropriated temple funds and engaged in sexual activity.
Investigators said they found evidence that more than 20 donation receipts had been improperly issued in the temple’s name over a period exceeding two years, with alleged losses totalling more than THB92 million. They then gathered evidence to support the arrest.
Police allege that the abbot diverted temple money for his own benefit before passing funds to the woman to be converted into other assets.
Police examine CCTV footage
During the arrest operation, officers examined CCTV footage inside the abbot’s residence. Police said it showed him flirting with the woman and having sexual intercourse with her.
Officers were continuing to search for additional evidence and planned to take the abbot to the CSD for questioning. Investigators also intend to expand the inquiry with a view to freezing assets connected to the alleged offences.
