Buddhist Abbot Arrested Over 92 Million Baht Temple Theft
Former abbot Phra Wachiryan was arrested for allegedly embezzling over 92 million baht from his Ayutthaya temple through illegally issued certificates over two years, with police recovering gold bars and a counting machine from his quarters
The Suppression of Crime Police have arrested Phra Wachiryan, also known as Luang Por Choti, the former abbot of Phutthai Sawan Temple in Ayutthaya Province, on an arrest warrant from the Corruption and Misconduct Court dated September 8, 2026. He faces multiple charges including public official embezzlement, misconduct and dereliction of duty, and money laundering conspiracy. Police investigations uncovered that over a two-year period, the abbot illegally issued more than 20 certificates in the temple's name, causing damages exceeding 92 million baht. Surveillance footage from inside his quarters also captured him engaged in misconduct with a close associate.
During the search of the abbot's quarters at Phutthai Sawan Temple on September 10, 2026, officers recovered significant evidence including multiple gold bars worth millions of baht and a approximately 2-kilogram gold Buddha image. A currency counting machine was also found in the quarters, suggesting large-scale cash handling. Police seized a central round table and other documents for further investigation at the Anti-Corruption Division.
The case was directed by Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner General Natsatkit Chaowaanasai and Suppression of Crime Police Commander Pathanasak Bubphasuwan, with arrest operations led by Senior Superintendent Jetaniphut Sirivatana and Deputy Superintendent Somdej Sarbun.
