Thai Monk Arrested in $3 Million Embezzlement Scandal

Sat Sep 12 2026 06:16:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Thai police arrest former abbot over 100 million baht embezzlement and sex‑related scandal, highlighting mounting corruption in monastic community.

Former abbot Phra Wachirayan Wi of the 14th‑century Wat Phutthaisawan temple is arrested for siphoning over 100 million baht, or $3 million, from temple donations. Police discovered gold bars, jewellery and a video showing him engaging in sex with accomplice Punyavee Rungrueang, who is accused of aiding the theft. The case follows a 2025 sex‑and‑blackmail scandal that shook Thailand’s Buddhist community and raises new concerns over monks’ adherence to celibacy and financial ethics.

Thai Monk Arrested in $3 Million Embezzlement Scandal

Thai police arrested former abbot Phra Wachirayan Wi over allegations he siphoned more than 100 million baht ($3 million) from Wat Phutthaisawan, the historic 14th‑century temple in Ayutthaya.

Investigators say the monk secretly accumulated funds during over 20 donations over two years, diverting them into private accounts and gold bars. A video found in his home shows him in a sexual act with female accomplice Punyavee Rungrueang, who is accused of aiding the embezzlement and faces her own charges.

The case follows a 2025 revolt over a male‑female sex‑and‑blackmail scandal that shook Thailand’s monastic community. Police seized more than 1 kg of gold, gold amulets, and jewellery worth over 6 million baht during the raid.

Monks in Thailand are required to observe celibacy and renounce material possessions, but corruption reports involving theft, drug trafficking and financial fraud continue to surface. Authorities warn that more accomplices could be involved, and the investigation is ongoing.

Phra Wachirayan has been defrocked and remains silent, while the state‑official‑linked woman awaits trial. The incident underscores the fragile trust in religious institutions amid widespread allegations of misconduct.