Monk detained in Thailand on suspicion of embezzling $3 million
Thai police have detained 66-year-old Buddhist monk Phra Wachirayan Wi on suspicion of embezzling 100 million baht, or about $3 million, in monastery donations. Also detained was 47-year-old Punyawi Rungrueang, whom investigators consider a likely accomplice. This was reported by MyJoyOnline.
Suspicions over temple donations
Phra Wachirayan Wi was the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan temple, dating back to the 14th century, in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. According to police, over two years he embezzled donations intended for the temple more than 20 times. After his detention, he was stripped of his monastic rank. The monk has not publicly commented on the situation.
Police said they identified two money flows linked to donation receipts that the monk issued on behalf of the temple. One was intended for repairs, while the other was for payments for amulets and other sacred items. According to the investigation, funds from both flows did not reach the temple's account.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Searches and suspected accomplice
During a search of the monk's residence, police found cash and gold bars with a total value of more than 100 million baht, The Nation reported, as cited by MyJoyOnline. Law enforcement officers also said they reviewed surveillance footage showing the monk with a woman in an intimate situation. Buddhist monks in Thailand take a vow of celibacy and renounce material wealth.
Punyawi Rungrueang was detained on suspicion of assisting a state official in illegal activity. Many monks in Thailand receive state payments and are therefore considered state officials. At her home, officers seized 35 gold amulets, about 1.5 kg of gold bars, and jewelry worth approximately 6.04 million baht. Police believe she may have helped manage the allegedly embezzled funds, while tens of millions of baht passed through her bank accounts each year. The investigation began in mid-July after an anonymous tip; investigators do not rule out the involvement of two or three more people.
