Thai authorities have detained a Buddhist monk and a woman in connection with the alleged misappropriation of 100 million baht (approximately $3 million) from a historic monastery. Phra Wachirayan Wi, the former abbot of the 14th-century Wat Phutthaisawan temple in Ayutthaya, was arrested alongside Punyavee Rungrueang, who was captured on surveillance footage engaging in sexual activity with him.
The 66-year-old Phra Wachirayan, who was defrocked following his arrest, is accused of diverting temple donations on more than 20 occasions over a two-year period. He was well-known for crafting highly sought-after coin amulets, some of which are reportedly owned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Investigator Pattanasak Bupphasuwan stated during a press conference that funds designated for both temple renovations and the production of sacred amulets were never deposited into the temple’s account. “Not a single baht” entered the official treasury, he said.
During a raid on Phra Wachirayan’s residence on Thursday, officers discovered cash and gold bars valued at over 100 million baht. The counting of seized assets continued late into the night, according to The Nation. Separately, authorities found 35 gold amulets, roughly 1.5 kilograms of gold bars, and jewelry worth an estimated 6.04 million baht at Rungrueang’s home.
Rungrueang, 47, has been charged with abetting a state official in illegal activities. Since many Thai monks receive government stipends, they are classified as state officials. Police believe she assisted Phra Wachirayan in managing the embezzled funds, noting that tens of millions of baht flowed through her bank accounts annually.
The investigation began in mid-July after an anonymous tip alleged misconduct and financial misuse. Investigators suggest that two or three additional individuals may be involved in the scheme.
This case marks the latest scandal to shake Thailand’s monastic community, arriving just over a year after a major incident in July 2025 where nine monks were implicated in a sex-and-blackmail ring involving a woman who extorted nearly $12 million using explicit media.
I’m still in shock over the surveillance footage detail. A celibate abbot caught on camera alongside financial fraud is quite the combination.
Wait, the Prime Minister owns amulets from this guy? That connection is going to cause a major political headache very soon.
This isn’t the first time. The 2025 scandal was huge too. It feels like systemic issues aren’t being addressed properly.
The sheer volume of gold seized is staggering. I wonder how much of that was actually tied to the embezzled donations?