Ayutthaya Former Abbot Case: Over 700 Million Baht in Assets Frozen

Police have seized or frozen more than 700 million baht in assets linked to Phra Wachirayan, also known as Luang Pho Atichot Dhammavaro, the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal monastery in Ayutthaya, and his female associate, Punyawi “Ae” Rungrueang. Investigators said the former abbot diverted about 92 million baht intended for the temple, comprising 2.8 million baht from 22 amulet transactions and 89 million baht in donations for temple maintenance. The money was allegedly routed through the unauthorised Wan Chot Foundation into personal accounts, while donation receipts were issued in the temple’s name. None of the money entered the temple’s accounts. Assets linked to the former abbot were valued at more than 498 million baht, including 290 million baht in bank accounts, 138.3 million baht in cash and over 1,000 baht-weight of gold. Assets linked to Punyawi were valued at about 215 million baht and included cash, gold, land documents, bank accounts and savings certificates. Police said she had accumulated houses, vehicles and other assets despite having no apparent regular occupation, with some property allegedly placed in her daughter’s name. Police said footage showed the former abbot having sex with Punyawi several times inside his quarters, including near an area used by followers for worship. Reports said he monitored CCTV cameras through his phone and stopped when followers approached. The sexual relationship constituted the gravest monastic offence, permanently disqualifying him from reordination. Both suspects denied charges related to embezzlement, misconduct in office and money laundering. They were remanded by the Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on Friday, with police opposing bail because of concerns they could flee or interfere with evidence. Investigators said the case could expand to another two or three people. The scandal has also hit prices of the “Nuea Duang” amulet associated with the former abbot, with some rare versions reportedly falling from millions of baht to tens of thousands. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has worn the amulet, said it had “worked” and argued that it was consecrated by several revered monks, not only the former abbot. The post Police trace over 700 million baht in former Ayutthaya abbot case appeared first on Thai Enquirer.