Police Discover 60 Cameras at Ex-Abbot's Temple Command Post
Former abbot of an Ayutthaya temple faces charges of embezzling 92 million baht after police discovered a 60-camera surveillance network he allegedly used to monitor the grounds and conceal misconduct.
Authorities investigating the case of Somichai, former abbot of Phutthaithaisuwan Temple in Ayutthaya Province, have revealed details of a sophisticated surveillance operation at the temple. The suspect faces charges of embezzling 92 million baht and is being held with a companion named Sika. Officers seized large quantities of cash and gold during a search. Investigators also recovered footage allegedly showing inappropriate conduct between the suspects.
The inquiry began with an anonymous complaint in July alleging both moral misconduct and financial mismanagement. A second complaint arrived with a flash drive containing video evidence from the temple's internal cameras. When police compared this footage with other evidence, they confirmed serious violations of monastic discipline and potential misappropriation of over 100 million baht, leading to arrest and search warrants.
During questioning, officers noted the suspect frequently held his phone and watched a screen, apparently monitoring the temple's surveillance system. Police confirmed the temple is equipped with approximately 60 cameras positioned at the front entrance, throughout the grounds, and at nearly every corner. When officers searched the suspect's regular sitting area, they found three monitors for continuous surveillance—evidence, investigators believe, of his constant vigilance against being observed.
