Thailand Monk Scandal: A respected Buddhist abbot in Thailand has gone from leading one of Ayutthaya’s best-known temples to facing serious criminal allegations after a police investigation into missing temple funds uncovered CCTV footage involving a female associate.
Phra Washirayan Wi, 66, the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, was arrested on Thursday, September 10, in connection with the alleged diversion of more than 92 million baht in temple money. Police also arrested 47-year-old Punyavee Rungrueang, who investigators suspect helped him conceal or move the money.
The investigation took an unexpected turn when officers examining evidence from the monk’s quarters found CCTV footage showing Wachirayan and Punyavee in an intimate relationship. The footage was subsequently circulated widely in Thai media and on social media.
The case has now raised fresh questions over financial controls at religious institutions in Thailand, while the former abbot has been defrocked following his arrest.
Who is Phra Wachirayan Wi, The Former Ayutthaya Abbot?
Phra Wachirayan Wi, also known as Luang Por Chot or Luang Pho Atichot Dhammavaro, was the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a historic royal temple in Ayutthaya.
He was appointed abbot in 2022 and had also gained a reputation among devotees for producing Buddhist amulets. One of his best-known creations was the “Nuea Duang” coin amulet, which reportedly attracted considerable interest among collectors and devotees.
His public image changed dramatically after police began investigating allegations that money raised in the temple’s name had not reached the temple’s accounts.
Thailand Monk Scandal: How Did The Thailand Monk Embezzlement Case Begin?
Police began looking into the former abbot in July after receiving an anonymous complaint about alleged misconduct and the misuse of temple funds.
Investigators then carried out a covert investigation and identified financial transactions that they said pointed to money being diverted away from the temple.
Police said they found two major streams of money connected to donation receipts issued in the temple’s name. One involved money intended for temple renovation work, while another involved payments connected to Buddhist amulets and other sacred objects.
“But the money from both streams did not enter the temple’s account”, lead police investigator Pattanasak Bupphasuwan said.
“Not a single baht,” he added.
Investigators allege that the former abbot issued more than 20 donation receipts over a period of more than two years without properly depositing the corresponding funds into the temple’s accounts. Police estimate the alleged loss at more than 92 million baht.
Thailand Monk Scandal: Police Find Cash, Gold And Other Assets
The financial investigation led police to search the former abbot’s quarters and other locations connected to the case.
Officers reported finding cash and gold worth more than 100 million baht at his quarters, with the valuation initially continuing late into Thursday.
A later briefing by Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau provided an even broader picture of the alleged financial network. Police said they had identified more than 290 million baht in bank deposits linked to the investigation, along with gold and other assets.
Authorities also searched the home of Punyavee in Pathum Thani.
Police said they seized gold amulets, gold bars and jewellery, as well as cash, mobile phones, bank books, property documents and other financial records from her residence.
Investigators believe the woman may have played a role in moving or converting money allegedly obtained from the temple.
Thailand Monk Scandal: Who is Punyavee Rungrueang?
Punyavee Rungrueang, 47, was identified by police as a close female associate of the former abbot.
Authorities arrested her on allegations that she assisted a state official in illegal activities and helped with the alleged movement and concealment of funds. Police have also investigated possible money-laundering activity involving her accounts.
Investigators said tens of millions of baht had moved through accounts associated with her.
Police are also examining whether other people were involved in the alleged scheme. Authorities have indicated that two or three additional individuals could come under scrutiny as the investigation continues.
Thailand Monk Scandal: CCTV Footage Adds A New Dimension To The Case
The financial investigation also uncovered CCTV footage from inside the former abbot’s residence.
Police said the recordings showed the monk in an intimate relationship with Punyavee inside his quarters. Some footage reportedly showed the pair on a dining table inside the residence. Thai media subsequently broadcast parts of the footage, triggering widespread attention.
The discovery was particularly significant because Buddhist monks in Thailand are expected to follow strict rules on celibacy and renunciation of material possessions.
According to Thai authorities, the sexual relationship constituted a serious violation of monastic discipline. The former abbot was subsequently removed from the monkhood.
Thailand Monk Scandal: Former Monk Defrocked After Arrest
Following his arrest, Wachirayan was taken to the temple’s ordination hall for a defrocking ceremony.
He changed from his saffron robes into white clothing and became known by his former name, Atichote Thammavaro. Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism later said he would not be able to re-enter the monkhood because his removal was not voluntary.
The charges against him include alleged embezzlement, misconduct in public office and money laundering.
He has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Thailand Monk Scandal: Why Are Temple Finances Under Scrutiny In Thailand?
The case comes amid growing scrutiny of Thailand’s Buddhist institutions following several scandals involving monks.
Last year, authorities launched a hotline allowing people to report alleged misconduct by monks after a separate scandal involving senior members of the clergy and a woman who allegedly used intimate material to blackmail them.
That investigation prompted authorities to examine a number of temples and raised broader concerns about accountability, financial management and the conduct of senior monks.
The latest case has again put those issues under the spotlight.
Thailand Monk Scandal: Investigation Into Temple Money Continues
Police are still examining the financial trail surrounding Wat Phutthaisawan and the former abbot. Investigators have seized documents, bank records, property papers, gold and other assets as they attempt to establish where the allegedly diverted money went.
Authorities are also looking into the possible involvement of other people and whether the funds were converted into assets such as gold, land or other investments.
The case could therefore expand beyond the former abbot and his female associate as investigators continue tracing the money.
