A Buddhist abbot at a prominent temple in Thailand has been arrested following allegations of financial misconduct and inappropriate conduct involving a female follower.
The 66-year-old monk, identified as Luang Pho Chot, was reportedly the chief abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, a temple with royal historical significance. His arrest came after Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) launched an investigation following an anonymous complaint.
Authorities reportedly searched the temple on 10 September as part of the investigation. During the operation, investigators allegedly uncovered evidence relating to the suspected financial transactions and the abbot’s relationship with a 47-year-old woman who was described as one of his followers.
Police reportedly examined CCTV footage from the temple and claimed it showed the abbot and the woman engaging in intimate behaviour inside his living quarters. The footage is among the evidence being examined as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding their relationship.
More Than 92 Million Baht In Temple Donations Allegedly Involved
Investigators have also raised concerns over more than 92 million baht (approximately S$3.6 million) in donations allegedly collected through the temple over a period of about two years.
According to reports, more than 20 donation receipts were issued under the temple’s name during this period. Police allege that the money was subsequently transferred to an account linked to the female suspect.
Authorities reportedly suspect that some of the funds may have been moved through various transactions in an attempt to conceal their origins. Investigators are continuing to trace the flow of the money and determine whether the funds were legitimately used for temple-related purposes.
The financial investigation has also led authorities to examine a significant collection of assets allegedly connected to the case.
Police reportedly seized assets with a combined value of approximately 215 million baht (around S$8.4 million). The items allegedly include 16kg of gold bars, jewellery, luxury watches, cash and 28 land-title documents.
Investigators are now working to establish which of the seized assets are legitimately owned by the temple and which may have been acquired as personal property.
Abbot Defrocked As Investigation Continues
Following his arrest, Luang Pho Chot was reportedly removed from the monkhood and changed from his saffron robes into white clothing.
The female suspect, aged 47, was also arrested in connection with the investigation. Thai media reports described her as being from a well-educated background and divorced.
She is reportedly facing allegations related to assisting with money laundering and concealing the suspected funds. Authorities are continuing to examine whether she played a role in the movement or management of the money allegedly linked to the temple.
Police have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and could potentially involve additional suspects if evidence suggests that other individuals participated in the alleged financial transactions.
The case has attracted considerable attention in Thailand, particularly among Buddhist devotees and communities interested in religious amulets, given the temple’s prominence and the scale of the alleged financial activity.
However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. The abbot, the woman and any other individuals potentially implicated in the case are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.