Former Abbot's Cell Searched, Millions in Cash and Gold Seized
Former abbot Phra Vachirayan was arrested for embezzling over 92 million baht from his temple in Ayutthaya, with police seizing tens of millions in cash and gold bars from his cell during a search.
Police from the Crime Suppression Division arrested Phra Vachirayan, formerly known as Choti, abbot of Wat Phut Thai Sawantawan in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, on a court warrant for embezzlement and misconduct issued September 8, 2025. Investigators discovered he had illegally diverted temple funds for personal use and transferred assets to a close associate, causing losses exceeding 92 million baht. Over approximately two years, irregular letters of approval were issued in the temple's name through improper channels, totalling the massive loss.
During arrest, police reviewed CCTV footage from inside the cell showing the abbot engaging in drug use with his associate. Officers carried currency counting machines into the cell for evidence collection. On September 10, 2025, searchers discovered tens of millions of baht in cash concealed in plastic containers within the abbot's cell, along with 12 gold bars weighing 10 baht each, valued at 7 million baht. All items were seized as evidence.
In a related search, police raided the residence of Punvee (nicknamed Saiya Oe), age 47, the abbot's close associate. Officers recovered 35 gold amulets, 90 baht in gold bullion and ornaments worth 6,037,470 baht, cash totalling 3,592,300 baht, three mobile phones, one iPad, land documents and account statements, two land title deeds, seven account books, property sale contracts, 18 investment documents, one health insurance policy, six gold guarantee certificates, seven gold purchase-sale receipts, and four savings lottery tickets.
