Police Seize $215 Million From Former Buddhist Abbot
Police arrested a former Buddhist abbot in Ayutthaya after seizing 215 million baht in cash, deposits, and gold from multiple locations, following an investigation into embezzled temple funds and misconduct.
The Suppression Bureau has arrested the former abbot of Buddhaitadsawan Temple in Ayutthaya province on charges of temple embezzlement and monastic misconduct. Deputy Police Chief Pattanasak Bupphasuwan revealed that around mid-July, officers received a tip from a concerned citizen about the abbot's conduct and missing temple funds. The investigation proved difficult due to the abbot's connections with police, military, and business figures, but eventually yielded substantial evidence.
Two funding streams totaling 92 million baht were traced: 2.8 million baht in rental permits issued in the abbot's name, and 89 million baht supposedly for temple renovation donations. However, temple account records showed none of this money ever entered the temple, confirming embezzlement. Officers executed simultaneous raids at six locations across four provinces.
From the abbot's quarters, police seized 138.3 million baht in cash, deposits of 290 million baht, and gold items worth approximately 70 million baht—a total of 215 million baht. From his female associate, they recovered 3.9 million baht in cash and 6.2 million baht in gold. Additional documents, land deeds, and savings accounts were also seized. Both suspects have been held for questioning at the Saraburi Corruption Court. Officers urged temple donors who suspect misuse of funds to come forward, and warned that similar monastic misconduct will not be tolerated.
