In brief
Thai police arrested a former abbot of the historic Wat Phutthaisawan monastery over a $3m embezzlement scheme and a sexual misconduct case. The monk allegedly siphoned donations more than 20 times over two years and was filmed with a female accomplice. Experts say this case follows a broader pattern of monastic corruption in Thailand. Authorities seized gold, jewels and amulets and are probing other possible accomplices.
Thai Monastery Scandal
Thai police arrested a Buddhist monk suspected of stealing 100 million baht – about $3m – from his monastery, and he was filmed with an alleged female accomplice.
The monk, Phra Wachirayan Wi, was former abbot of the 14th‑century Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya and allegedly pocketed donations more than 20 times over two years.
Monks in Thailand are bound to celibacy and renounce personal wealth; following the arrest he was defrocked and remains silent.
Police say he and the woman, identified as Punyavee Rungrueang, used her bank accounts to move the illicit funds, with 35 gold amulets and 1.5kg of gold bars seized.
The investigation began after an anonymous tip in July and could involve other accomplices, according to official statements.
This case follows a separate scandal earlier this year involving senior monks bribed by a woman demanding nearly £12m for compromising photographs.
Thailand’s Buddhist community has long struggled with corruption, drug trafficking and breaches of vows among its monastic orders.
In response, police launched a hotline in July to report misbehaving monks, and nine were identified with sexual activity with a woman, according to authorities.
