In brief
Thai authorities have detained a former abbot from the historic Wat Phutthaisawan for allegedly siphoning 100 million baht—about $3 million—over two years. The monk, Phra Wachirayan Wi, was also linked to a woman filmed in a sexual encounter, raising questions about vows of celibacy and monastic discipline. Police seized cash, gold bars and jewellery at his residence and at the accused woman’s home, indicating a broader network of illicit activity. This case follows a earlier scandal involving sexual black‑mail of monks, underscoring a pattern of corruption within Thailand’s Buddhist institutions. Investigators say investigations may extend to other co‑conspirators and highlight the need for tighter oversight of temple finances.
Thai police have arrested a Buddhist monk on suspicion of embezzling 100 million baht ($3 million; £2.2 million) from his monastery, with a suspected female co‑conspirator captured on video.
The monk, Phra Wachirayan Wi, formerly led the 14th‑century Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya. Officials say he took donations twice a day on more than twenty occasions over two years. The payments were never credited to the temple’s account, a fact confirmed by a police investigation into the donations’ receipts.
In Thailand, Buddhist monks observe a vow of celibacy and a renunciation of material wealth. Following his arrest, Phra Wachirayan was defrocked, and he has not yet publicly commented on the allegations.
The investigation follows a 2025 scandal in which police recovered a woman’s photographs that were used to blackmail monks for nearly 12 million baht. That case led the government to launch a hotline for reporting malfeasance among clergy.
Police discovered more than 100 million baht in cash, gold bars and jewellery during a raid on the former monk’s home. They also found a video of him on his dining table with a woman, identified as 47‑year‑old Punyavee Rungrueang, who is accused of aiding the monk in handling the proceeds.
Punyavee’s house yielded 35 gold amulets, 1.5 kg of gold bars and jewellery valued at roughly 6 million baht. Records indicate that her bank accounts handled tens of millions of baht each year, suggesting a financial network facilitating the embezzlement.
The police inquiry began after an anonymous tip in July. Investigators are exploring whether two or three additional individuals are involved. The case highlights ongoing concerns over financial malpractices within Thailand’s monastic community.
Source: BBC News via Getty Images; original article published 16 minutes ago.
