The abbot of a famous temple in Ayutthaya province was arrested today for allegedly embezzling over 92 million baht from the temple. CCTV also revealed further evidence of a sexual relationship between a monk and a woman in his dormitory.

On the morning of September 10, 2026, at approximately 6:00 AM, Thai police raided Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal temple in Ayutthaya Province, and arrested Abbot Luang Pho Atichot (Phra Wachirayan / Luang Por Chot). This 66-year-old renowned monk was well-known in the amulet world, having long been producing sacred objects including the "Rian Nuea Duang" and Jatukam series. The case stemmed from a report alleging that he embezzled temple funds and transferred and concealed the money through a close female associate. Police investigations revealed that over the past two years, more than 20 improperly issued donation receipts in the temple's name, involving over 92 million baht. Even more shockingly, during the investigation, CCTV footage of the abbot engaging in sexual activity with the woman inside the monks' quarters was discovered. He has since been disrobed and taken into custody for questioning; the flow of funds and other involved parties are still under investigation.

Police obtained evidence of over 92 million baht embezzlement and applied for an arrest warrant after issuing multiple improper donation receipts in the name of a temple.

An investigation revealed that over the past two years, the abbot had issued more than 20 irregular donation receipts in the temple's name. The funds were misappropriated for personal use and transferred to women with close relationships with him or concealed through others. Police applied for an arrest warrant, charging him with embezzlement, dereliction of duty, conspiracy to launder money, and other offenses. On the morning of September 10th, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) forces swiftly entered the temple's monks' quarters to carry out the arrests, with media present to document the operation. This case, involving a royal temple and substantial temple funds, has garnered widespread attention in Thai society.

CCTV footage of the monastery exposing the abbot's intimate behavior with a woman further aggravated the seriousness of the case and the public outcry.

While investigating the financial issues, police retrieved CCTV footage from the monastery and discovered multiple videos showing the abbot and the woman engaging in sexual activity within the monastery. This discovery added a significant layer of controversy regarding monastic discipline and public image to the case, which was initially primarily a case of economic crime. The woman involved was also investigated, with large sums of money entering and leaving her account. Police are currently investigating the final destination of the funds, whether more people are involved, and whether related assets need to be seized. As a monk with considerable influence in the amulet community, the impact of this incident on the trust of believers and the reputation of the temple continues to unfold.