Ayutthaya Buddhist Church Appoints New Acting Abbot at Phutthai Temple
Phutthai Savariya Temple in Ayutthaya has appointed a new acting abbot after police arrested the former abbot for allegedly embezzling 92 million baht in temple funds and drug use at the monastery.
The Ayutthaya Buddhist Church has appointed Phra Phiphat Sasnakij Vithan as acting abbot of Phutthai Savariya Temple following the arrest of the temple's former abbot, Phra Wachiryanan (also known as Luang Pho Atikhoti), by the police anti-corruption unit. The former abbot was arrested after complaints and investigations revealed that approximately 92 million baht in temple funds had been transferred to close associates, and closed-circuit camera footage was found showing drug use in the monk's quarters. Luang Pho Atikhoti subsequently disrobed voluntarily, and police took him into custody for legal proceedings.
On September 10, 2026, Phra Thep Watchara Chariyadharm, the provincial Buddhist affairs chief of Ayutthaya, signed the appointment order. Phra Wachiryanan disrobed on September 10, 2026, at Phutthai Savariya Temple in Samphao Lom Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, thereby vacating the position of abbot.
Under the authority granted by Section 4, Paragraph 2 of the Supreme Sangha Rules No. 19 (1993) regarding the appointment of acting abbots, and in accordance with the Sangha Act of 1962 as amended by the Sangha Act Amendment (No. 2) of 1992, Phra Phiphat Sasnakij Vithan—abbot of Tha Kar Rong Temple and deputy provincial Buddhist affairs chief of Ayutthaya—has been appointed as acting abbot of Phutthai Savariya Temple, effective immediately as of September 10, 2026.
