Famous Thai Temple Abbot 阿赞初 Sweeps Away 92 Million Thai Baht, Filmed Having Sexual Encounter with Female Devotee in Monastic Quarters, Forced to Return to Secular Life After Arrest

On the morning of September 10, 2026, Thai police raided Wat Phutthaisawan, a renowned royal temple in Ayutthaya Province, arresting 66-year-old abbot Phra Phutthaisawan (also known as Ajahn Chokyi Gyaltsen or Ajahn Chokyi Gyaltsen) and 47-year-old female devotee Phunyawi. Investigations revealed that the abbot had illegally issued over 20 donation receipts over the past two years, allegedly embezzling 92 million baht (approximately 18.4 million RMB) from temple funds and transferring the money to close female devotees. Even more shockingly, CCTV footage from the monks' quarters captured the two engaging in sexual intercourse. The abbot has been forced to disrobe, and police are continuing their investigation and freezing related assets. This case has once again brought the issue of corruption and breaches of vows among some Thai monks to the forefront of public opinion, causing a strong shock within the Buddhist community.

Police have obtained evidence that more than 20 donation receipts were illegally issued over two years, and that 92 million baht of donations were transferred to a female devotee.

The investigation revealed that the abbot issued numerous improper donation receipts in the name of the temple, misappropriating a large sum of money for personal use. The funds were transferred and concealed through the account of a female devotee, Punyawi. Account statements showed large inflows and outflows of funds. Based on this, the police applied for arrest warrants, with charges including embezzlement, dereliction of duty, and money laundering. On the morning of September 10th, a swift operation was launched, apprehending both individuals directly inside the monks' quarters and seizing relevant items. The final destination of the funds is still under further investigation.

Surveillance footage from the monastery exposed the abbot's sexual relationship with a female devotee, providing irrefutable evidence of his violation of monastic vows, ultimately forcing him to return to secular life.

While investigating the financial issues, police reviewed CCTV footage from the monastery and discovered multiple videos showing the abbot having sexual relations with female devotees inside the residence. This footage became crucial evidence in the case, escalating the incident from a simple economic crime to a complete collapse of the monks' precepts and image. The abbot was arrested and subsequently disrobed, while the female devotees were also taken into custody for investigation. The case sparked widespread discussion in Thai society, with many devotees expressing shock and disappointment at such a scandal occurring at a royal temple.