Thai Temple Abbot and Female Associate Arrested Over 92m-Baht Fund Case as CCTV Shows Them Having Sex

A 66-year-old abbot of an ancient royal monastery in Ayutthaya has been arrested over the alleged misappropriation of more than 92 million baht (roughly £2 million) in temple funds, as Thai police say CCTV from his residence shows him having sex with a 47-year-old female associate.

The monk was later defrocked and transferred to the Central Investigation Bureau for questioning, while the woman was arrested in connection with the alleged financial offences. The case concerns funds linked to a well-known temple and has placed the handling of donations and temple accounts under renewed scrutiny.

Police identify the former abbot as Phra Wachirayan Wi., also known as Luang Pho Atichot Thammavaro or Luang Pho Chot. The woman has been identified in Thai reporting as Punyavee, whom police described as a close female associate.

Wat Phutthaisawan Abbot Arrested

Crime Suppression Division officers raided the abbot's residence at Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya at about 6am on 10 September. Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai said the investigation followed a complaint concerning suspected misuse of temple money.

Police allege that temple funds were transferred to the female associate and concealed or converted under other people's names. The allegations have not been tested in court, and neither suspect's position on the charges was set out in the reports reviewed.

Investigators said they found more than 20 donation certificates that were allegedly issued improperly in the temple's name over a period of more than two years. Police put the alleged financial damage at more than 92 million baht, or roughly £2 million.

Wat Phutthaisawan is an ancient royal monastery in Ayutthaya's Muang district, in central Thailand. The former abbot had led the temple since 2022 and was known among devotees for Buddhist amulets, including the 'Nuea Duang' coin.

Police Cite CCTV Footage

Police said CCTV footage from inside the abbot's residence showed the former monk and the female associate having sexual intercourse. The footage was reviewed during the investigation, according to accounts carried by Thai media.

The sexual allegation is separate from the criminal investigation into the temple funds.

The reported offences concern the alleged misappropriation of money, related misconduct and money laundering, rather than the CCTV footage itself.

Police said the woman's bank accounts handled tens of millions of baht in transactions each year, and investigators were examining those transactions as part of the inquiry.

She faces charges connected to the alleged financial offences, including conspiracy to launder money and jointly laundering money.

The investigation followed a covert inquiry after the initial complaint. The same report said police alleged that money had been transferred to the female associate and concealed under other names.

Defrocking and Investigation

Following his arrest, the monk was taken to the temple's ordination hall for a defrocking ceremony before being moved into police custody. Thai reporting said he later appeared in white clothing and was transferred to the Central Investigation Bureau for further questioning.

The former abbot is facing allegations connected to the handling of Wat Phutthaisawan funds, while police continue to investigate the financial trail. No court finding has been made, and the allegations remain subject to the Thai legal process.

The case comes amid concern in Thailand over the governance of temple assets and donations. The present investigation is centred on the specific allegations involving Wat Phutthaisawan, the former abbot and the female associate.