A former abbot in Thailand has been arrested after allegedly embezzling more than 400,000 baht (approximately S$15,700) in temple donations before disappearing for years and eventually resurfacing as a security guard.
The case has shocked many in Thailand, as the suspect was once the head monk of a well-known forest temple in Ratchaburi province.
Authorities said he allegedly withdrew almost the entire sum donated during a Kathin ceremony, spent lavishly on nightlife activities and later vanished from public view.
Temple Donation Money Allegedly Withdrawn On The Same Day
The suspect, 57-year-old Thanakorn, formerly known as Phra Khru Palat Thanakorn Rakkhittasilo, was arrested in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province, by officers from Thailand’s Anti-Corruption Division.
Police acted on an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 7 on June 10, 2026.
Investigators said the case dates back to October 23, 2022, when a Kathin merit-making ceremony was held at Wat Pa Wimutyaram, a forest temple located in Ban Pong district, Ratchaburi province.
Buddhist devotees donated a total of 438,912.78 baht (around S$17,200).
The money was subsequently deposited into a bank account before being almost entirely withdrawn later that same day. Authorities said only 12.78 baht remained in the account.
Shortly afterwards, the abbot disappeared from the temple without informing anyone.
Secret Nightlife Activities And Big Bike Accident Revealed
Investigators later discovered that on the night of October 24, 2022, the former abbot had changed into civilian clothes and travelled to entertainment venues in Kanchanaburi and Nakhon Pathom provinces.
He was reportedly intoxicated and became involved in a serious accident while riding a large motorcycle.
He was admitted to hospital for treatment before disappearing from public view.
The temple committee subsequently filed a complaint with authorities after noticing irregularities involving the temple funds.
Following a lengthy investigation, officers gathered evidence and worked alongside Thailand’s anti-corruption agencies to pursue legal action.
Former Abbot Found Working As Security Guard
Police eventually traced the suspect to a residential estate in Bang Phli district, where he had been working as a security guard.
During questioning, he reportedly admitted to secretly leaving the temple and frequently visiting bars while still serving as an abbot.
He also confessed that he had previously been arrested for drink-driving during his time as a monk.
Authorities have since handed him over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
Case Raises Concerns Over Temple Financial Oversight
The incident has reignited discussions in Thailand regarding financial transparency and accountability within religious institutions.
Kathin ceremonies are significant annual Buddhist fundraising events where devotees donate money and necessities to support temples and monks.
The case has also highlighted concerns over internal monitoring systems, especially when a single individual has direct access to large sums of donated money.
Authorities are continuing their investigations and legal proceedings against the former abbot.