Ayutthaya: A prominent abbot in Ayutthaya has been defrocked after embezzling 92 million baht from the temple. "Luang Pho Choti," the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan Royal Temple in Ayutthaya province, has disrobed after being arrested by police from the Crime Suppression Division on charges of embezzling over 92 million baht from the temple to give to a close female associate.
According to Thai News Agency, following a raid by the Crime Suppression Division, police arrested "Luang Pho Choti," the 66-year-old abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan Royal Temple in Ayutthaya province. The charges against him involve the embezzlement of over 92 million baht from the temple's funds, purportedly to be given to a close female associate.
Police escorted the deputy abbot of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, along with arrangements for him to enter the temple's chapel and formally renounce his monastic status. The deputy abbot revealed that the former abbot, Phra Choti, admitted to his actions. Regarding allegations of financial problems or involvement with women, the monastic community had never received any complaints or information about such issues. His monastic status has ended, and it is now the police's responsibility to handle the matter.