Ayutthaya: Another scandal has emerged within the Buddhist clergy as the abbot of a renowned temple in Ayutthaya has been apprehended for sexual misconduct and embezzling over 92 million baht from temple funds, redirecting the money to a close female associate.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest occurred at 6:00 AM when Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthasak Chaowanasai, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Pattanasak Bubphasuwan, Commander of the Police Investigation Bureau, directed Pol. Col. Jetnipat Siriwat, Superintendent of Division 1, and Pol. Lt. Col. Somdej Sarabann, Deputy Superintendent of Division 1, to carry out the arrest of Phra Wachirayan (Atichoti Thammavaro), also known as "Luang Pho Choti." The abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Sampao Lom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, was detained based on an arrest warrant issued by the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Court, Region 1. He faces charges of embezzlement, malfeasance, corruption by a public official, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The arrest followed complaints alleging that Luang Por Choti had misused temple funds for personal gain and transferred substantial sums to a female associate. The Crime Suppression Division's covert investigation verified these claims, revealing that over two years, he had illegally issued more than 20 donation receipts, resulting in damages of over 92 million baht. This evidence prompted the police to secure a court order for his arrest.
During the arrest, authorities reviewed CCTV footage from the temple's living quarters, which showed the abbot engaging in sexual misconduct with a female devotee. The investigation is ongoing as authorities gather additional evidence before questioning him further at the Crime Suppression Division.