Abbott and Woman Arrested in 92-Million-Baht Temple Fraud Case
Buddhist temple abbot and his associate were arrested for embezzling over 92 million baht through a two-year scheme involving money laundering and asset concealment across multiple bank accounts and property holdings.
Police arrested Luang Pho Choti, abbot of Wat Putthai Sawan, on September 10, 2026, following a two-year investigation into embezzlement and corruption. The probe found that the abbot systematically diverted temple funds and transferred them to his close associate Punyavee to launder and hide under false names, causing total damage exceeding 92 million baht. Video evidence of drug use also surfaced during the investigation.
Police simultaneously searched a residence belonging to 47-year-old Punyavee (known as Sika) in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province, and seized substantial assets including 35 gold Buddha statues, approximately 90 baht of gold bullion and ornaments valued at 6,037,470 baht, 3,592,300 baht in cash, land deeds, and investment documents.
According to social media profiles, Punyavee is a former graduate of a prestigious university who once worked as a cheerleader 30 years ago. She is a single mother who operates a business selling religious amulets and talismans.
