Ayutthaya Temple Abbot Arrested Over Embezzlement Charges
A senior abbot at a royal temple in Ayutthaya was arrested on embezzlement and money laundering charges involving over 92 million baht allegedly diverted from temple funds through fraudulent donation receipts.
Ayutthaya — On 10 September 2026, police arrested a senior monk and 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 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 8 September 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 joint money laundering.
According to the Central Investigation Bureau, 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 authorization, 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 taken to the Central Investigation Bureau 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 Central Investigation Bureau for questioning.
The monk is also known for the temple's Nuea Duang amulets, which have gained popularity among devotees.
