CIB details THB138m cash and THB290m deposits in ex-abbot probe

Police have disclosed the discovery of more than THB138 million in cash, bank deposits exceeding THB290 million and gold weighing more than 1,066 baht-weight in an investigation into the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya.

Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai outlined the findings on Friday (September 11), alongside representatives of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) and the National Office of Buddhism.

The investigation concerns the 66-year-old former abbot, previously known as Phra Wachirayan Wi., or Luang Pho Atichot Dhammavaro, who is accused of embezzling more than THB92 million in temple funds and transferring money to a woman close to him.

Anonymous complaint prompted investigation

Police received an anonymous written complaint on July 15, 2026, alleging inappropriate behaviour by the then abbot, including a suspected intimate relationship with Punyawee “Ae” Rungrueang.

The complaint also questioned Punyawee’s growing wealth, alleging that her assets had increased unusually despite her having no regular occupation.

Investigators said they subsequently obtained evidence that the abbot had engaged in sexual intercourse with Punyawee. According to the briefing, this constituted a parajika offence under Buddhist monastic discipline, resulting in the immediate loss of his status as a monk.

He was formally disrobed during the September 10 search and arrest operation, with Ayutthaya provincial Buddhism officials and senior members of the monastic administration overseeing the process.

Donation receipts allegedly concealed diversion of funds

The investigation into the relationship led officers to examine the financial allegations in the complaint more closely.

Police alleged that the abbot received donations in the temple’s name but did not deposit the money into its bank account. Temple donation receipts were instead issued to people purchasing sacred objects and amulets.

Investigators initially identified several transfers and corresponding donation receipts totalling just over THB100 million. Although the receipts bore the abbot’s signature on behalf of the temple, the money had allegedly not reached the temple’s account.

An examination of Punyawee’s financial transactions also found an unusual increase in assets over the previous one to two years despite her lack of a regular income, police said.

These included two townhouses worth more than THB4 million combined, a Toyota Fortuner and bank deposits exceeding THB5 million. Police alleged that ownership was concealed by placing assets in her daughter’s name.

Investigators said the findings gave them grounds to suspect that Punyawee and the former abbot had conspired to launder money, causing losses to Wat Phutthaisawan.

Two suspects arrested after searches at six locations

The investigation team filed a complaint with Sub-Division 1 of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), leading to arrest warrants issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, Region 1.

Officers searched six locations across Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Bangkok and Buri Ram to gather evidence and arrested both suspects.

The former abbot faces allegations of misappropriating property as a public official, wrongful or corrupt performance of official duties, conspiracy to launder money and jointly laundering money. Police cited Sections 147, 157 and 83 of the Criminal Code, and Sections 3(5), 5, 10 and 60 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 1999.

Punyawee faces allegations of assisting a public official in embezzlement and misconduct, conspiracy to launder money and jointly laundering money. The provisions cited in her case were Sections 147 and 157 of the Criminal Code, and Sections 3(5), 5 and 60 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 1999.

Cash and gold recovered from former abbot’s quarters

Police reported finding THB138,308,986 in cash in the former abbot’s quarters, together with gold bars and jewellery weighing more than 1,066 baht-weight, described as worth approximately THB70 million.

The briefing listed the combined value of cash and gold recovered from his quarters as THB205,204,733.

Separately, investigators identified more than THB290 million in bank deposits associated with the former abbot.

At Punyawee’s home, officers found THB3,873,614 in cash and approximately 90 baht-weight of gold, valued at THB6,151,500. The combined value of the cash and gold recovered there was THB10,025,114.

Police also seized 10 land and banking documents from her home: two title deeds, seven bank passbooks and one land-sale agreement.

A further 18 documents comprised one health insurance policy, six gold guarantee certificates, seven gold purchase and sale receipts, and four Government Savings Bank savings lottery certificates.

The reported combined value of cash and gold recovered from the two locations was THB215,229,847, separate from the former abbot’s bank deposits.

CIB urges donors to check receiving accounts

The CIB urged Buddhists making donations to temples to check that transfers go to a bank account in the temple’s name registered with the Revenue Department’s e-Donation system.

People should exercise particular caution if asked to transfer donations to a monk’s personal account or an account belonging to another individual or foundation instead of the temple, even when a temple donation receipt is offered.

Police warned that money intended to support Buddhism could otherwise be used for purposes donors had not intended.

The bureau also invited people who had donated to Wat Phutthaisawan through the former abbot’s personal accounts or accounts belonging to related foundations to provide information for the investigation.

Offences carry substantial prison terms

Police cited the statutory penalties for the offences under investigation.

Section 147 of the Criminal Code provides for imprisonment of five to 20 years, or life imprisonment, and a fine of THB100,000-400,000 for misappropriation of property by an official.

Section 157 provides for imprisonment of one to 10 years, a fine of THB20,000-200,000, or both, for wrongful or corrupt performance or omission of official duties.

Section 60 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 1999 provides for imprisonment of one to 10 years, a fine of THB20,000-200,000, or both, for money laundering.