AYUTTHAYA, Thailand — Thai police arrested a senior Buddhist monk and an alleged accomplice on Thursday, September 10, 2026, over the suspected diversion of about 100 million baht, or $3 million, from a historic monastery.
Phra Wachirayan Wi, 66, was removed from the monkhood after his arrest. He had served as abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a prominent 14th-century monastery in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
Authorities also detained Punyavee Rungrueang, 47, whom they accuse of helping the former abbot manage and conceal the proceeds. Neither suspect has commented publicly on the allegations.
Donations and Amulet Payments Investigated
The inquiry began in mid-July after investigators received an anonymous complaint alleging financial and personal misconduct by the former abbot.
Police said more than 20 donation receipts had been issued in the monastery’s name during a period of more than two years.
The transactions fell into two categories: contributions designated for renovations and payments for amulets and other religious objects.
Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, the lead investigator, said none of the money identified through those receipts was deposited in the monastery’s accounts.
“But the money from both streams did not enter the temple’s account. Not a single baht,” Bupphasuwan said at a news conference.
The former abbot is suspected of repeatedly taking donations intended for Wat Phutthaisawan and transferring some of the money to Rungrueang, police said.
The allegations include embezzlement and money laundering.
Officers found cash and gold bars valued at more than 100 million baht while searching the former abbot’s residence, according to reports.
The quantity was sufficiently large that authorities continued counting the assets late into the night.
A separate search of Rungrueang’s home produced 35 gold amulets and about 1.5 kilogrammes of gold bars and jewellery, valued by police at approximately 6.04 million baht.
Investigators said tens of millions of baht had moved through her bank accounts annually. They are examining whether the transactions were connected to money allegedly taken from the monastery.
Police believe another two or three people may have participated in the suspected scheme.
CCTV Footage Found During Investigation
While reviewing security-camera recordings from the former abbot’s residence, officers found footage that they said showed him engaging in sexual activity with Rungrueang.
Buddhist monks in Thailand undertake vows that include celibacy and the renunciation of personal wealth.
The former abbot was defrocked shortly after his detention.
Rungrueang was arrested on suspicion of assisting a state official in unlawful conduct. Buddhist monks who receive government stipends can be treated as state officials under Thai law.
The former abbot had attracted a substantial following through the production of sought-after coin amulets.
Thai media have reported that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul owns some of the amulets associated with him.
Earlier Case Led to Reporting Hotline
The arrests follow a separate investigation last year involving senior monks and a woman accused of using intimate photographs and videos to demand money from them.
At least nine monks were found to have had sexual relations with the woman, who was accused of seeking nearly $12 million through blackmail.
Thai police subsequently established a hotline through which members of the public could report allegations of misconduct involving monks.
Authorities said the investigation into the finances of Wat Phutthaisawan remained open as they sought to identify any additional participants and determine the ownership and origin of the seized assets.
