Former Abbot Defrocked After Arrest in 92-Million-Baht Temple Fraud Case
Former abbot of Putthai Thavalai Temple in Ayutthaya was defrocked after arrest on charges of embezzling approximately 92 million baht through forged temple certificates and money laundering over two years.
At noon on September 10, 2024, at Putthai Thavalai Temple in Ayutthaya, police from the Anti-Corruption Division invited Phra Wachirabhasa, deputy provincial sangha leader and abbot of Khlong Takian Temple, to oversee a formal defrocking ceremony for Phra Wiriyanan, known as Luang Pho Choti, 66, who has served as abbot of Putthai Thavalai Temple. The defrocking followed his arrest that morning under court warrant number 29/2569 dated September 8, 2024, on charges of embezzlement, abuse of authority, and money laundering.
Investigators found that over two years, Choti had issued over 20 fraudulent temple certificates and misappropriated approximately 92 million baht in temple funds, allegedly passing the money through associates who converted and concealed it under false names. During the defrocking ceremony, Choti requested time to compose himself before entering the ordination hall for the 30-minute ritual. He then emerged in white robes under the secular name Abhichoti, placed under close police supervision for further investigation at the Anti-Corruption Division in Bangkok.
Phra Wachirabhasa remarked that Choti appeared calm and composed during the ceremony, though he surely felt deeply as someone who had been ordained for decades. Wachirabhasa emphasized that the defrocking was voluntary and not coerced. He appealed to relatives to distinguish between the individual and Buddhism itself, noting that the temple remains a spiritual anchor for the community. He also stated there had never been previous complaints or scandals about the former abbot before this incident.
The temple has cordoned off the ordination hall and historical structures as police continue gathering evidence and interviewing related persons. The former abbot's quarters are located near the main building, preventing Thai, Hong Kong, and Chinese visitors from entering the temple to make merit and pay respects. Police brought banknote-counting machines into the temple, suggesting they are conducting a financial audit of funds found in the abbot's quarters. A former disciple who knew Choti since ordaining there five years ago expressed shock, saying he never expected such an incident involving his respected teacher.
