Prominent Abbot Arrested in Ayutthaya Over Money Laundering
A prominent Ayutthaya abbot was arrested on money laundering and abuse of authority charges after investigators discovered evidence of drug use at the temple and alleged embezzlement of over 92 million baht.
Police from the Central Investigation Bureau conducted a raid and arrested the abbot of a prominent Ayutthaya temple at 6:00 a.m. on September 10, 2025. The suspect, a high-ranking Buddhist monk, was taken into custody on charges of money laundering and abuse of authority following the emergence of video evidence showing drug use within the monastic quarters. The investigation is ongoing as authorities search the temple and prepare to interrogate the abbot further. According to a post from the Central Investigation Bureau's official page, the abbot is suspected of embezzling temple funds and passing them to associates for money laundering, with reported losses exceeding 92 million baht.
