Ayutthaya Abbot Arrested Over Alleged 92M Baht Embezzlement, Money Laundering

AYUTTHAYA — Police on Thursday morning arrested the abbot of a well-known temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province on charges including alleged embezzlement, abuse of official duties, and money laundering, following an investigation into more than 92 million baht allegedly diverted from temple funds. At 06:00, officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) moved to Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal temple in Ayutthaya, to arrest Phra Wachirayan W. or Luang Pho Atichot Thammaparo, the temple’s abbot. The arrest was carried out under a warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 1 on September 8, 2026. The charges include alleged embezzlement of property by a public official, abuse or dereliction of duty, misconduct by a state official, conspiracy to launder money, and jointly laundering money. According to the CIB, investigators found evidence that temple funds had allegedly been diverted for personal use before being handed to a close female associate to conceal or transform the assets. The alleged damage was estimated at more than 92 million baht. Police said the investigation began after they received information about the monk’s alleged conduct. Investigators then conducted a covert inquiry and found evidence supporting the allegations. Over a period of more than two years, the monk allegedly issued more than 20 donation-receipt certificates in the temple’s name without authorisation, resulting in losses of more than 92 million baht, police said. During the arrest, investigators also reviewed CCTV footage from the monk’s quarters and reportedly found footage showing the abbot engaging in intimate conduct with the woman. Police said they were continuing to search the temple for additional evidence. The abbot was subsequently due to be taken to the CIB for questioning. Police also reported that they had detained the woman described as the abbot’s close associate. She is allegedly linked to the movement of temple funds, with tens of millions of baht reportedly circulating through accounts each year. Officers were continuing to search for further evidence before taking her to the CIB for questioning. The monk is also known for the temple’s “Nuea Duang” amulets, which have gained popularity among devotees. The post Ayutthaya abbot arrested over alleged embezzlement and money laundering appeared first on Khaosod English.