Ex-Monk Denies Theft as 60 Million Baht Seized
Former abbot Somi Choti was arrested and denies embezzling temple funds despite police seizing 60 million baht in cash and valuables worth an estimated 80 million baht from the Ayutthaya temple.
Police investigators from the Crime Suppression Division have brought Somi Choti, the former abbot of Phutthai Sawan Temple in Ayutthaya province, in for intense questioning on suspicion of temple fund embezzlement. He was arrested on the morning of September 10 and interrogated until 5 a.m. before being transferred to the Central Investigation Bureau detention facility, where both he and female suspect Sika Ae were held separately. Officers held him in a crowded male cell with eight other suspects, while Sika Ae was placed in a female cell with one other woman. Authorities have seized over 2,000 items of evidence, including approximately 60 million baht in cash and valuables such as gold, jewelry, gemstones, and land deeds estimated at around 80 million baht combined. During questioning, Somi Choti denied the embezzlement charges but confessed to the leaked video clip, revealing a relationship with Sika Ae lasting about two years. This afternoon, both suspects will be transferred to the provincial court for further legal proceedings.
