Bangkok: It's not too late! People are digging up old photos of the Prime Minister wearing an amulet of "Luang Pho Choti" (a revered Buddhist monk). Netizens have unearthed photos of Prime Minister Anutin wearing an amulet of "Luang Pho Choti" for good fortune.
According to Thai News Agency, the case involves Phra Wachirayan (Atichoti Thammavaro), also known as Luang Pho Choti or Mr. Atichoti, 66 years old, the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Sampao Lom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. He is the creator of the famous "Nuea Duang" or "Yok Thana" amulet and was arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau under an arrest warrant. His charges include embezzlement by a public official, malfeasance in office, corruption by a public official, and conspiracy to commit money laundering and joint money laundering. The arrest follows the discovery of his misappropriation of temple funds, amounting to over 92 million baht, allegedly transferred to his close female accomplice for fraudulent purposes. Scandalous CCTV footage showing him at a dining table has also been released.
Reporters say that images of Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul wearing a Phra Phutthaisawan amulet from Wat Phutthaisawan are being widely shared online. The photos, taken on October 24, 2023, when Mr. Anutin was serving as Minister of Interior, show him displaying the amulet and stating that it represents Thai wisdom and soft power.