Police Reveal Evidence in Former Abbot Corruption Case
Former abbot Somchai of Ayutthaya's Phutthathai Monastery was arrested for allegedly embezzling 92 million baht from temple funds, with police seizing cash, gold, and evidence of drug use following complaints in July and August.
Police have arrested Somchai (Attichoti Thammaworawong), former abbot of Phutthathai Monastery in Ayutthaya, on charges of embezzling 92 million baht from temple funds. He is being held alongside Seegaa, a woman close to him, after officers seized large amounts of cash, gold, and video evidence of drug use between them.
Deputy Police Colonel Somdech Sareabarn revealed the investigation began with a complaint letter received in mid-July, followed by a second complaint on August 25 containing a flash drive with images and data that corroborated the first complaint. Officers identified two areas of inappropriate conduct: an improper relationship and temple fund embezzlement. Preliminary investigation found damages valued at approximately 100 million baht. The case was escalated through official channels, a criminal complaint was filed, and an arrest warrant was obtained from the court, leading to the arrest and search operation on September 10.
Deputy Police Colonel Somdech acknowledged the difficulties in conducting a confidential investigation, noting that only 4-5 officers knew of the case due to the sensitive and complex nature of the evidence gathering, and because the suspect is a Buddhist monk—a religious symbol deserving of extra delicacy.
Deputy Police Colonel Kritsada Payalaharn, a former devotee of Somchai who visited the monastery every two months for five to six years, initially disbelieved the complaints after seeing the first letter. However, he conducted his own investigation using police methods and gathered evidence corroborating the second complaint's video evidence of actual drug use. He did not infiltrate undercover but used his regular access to observe Somchai's behavior.
