A Thai abbot (head monk) has been disrobed and arrested after he allegedly embezzled over 300 million baht (approx. S$11 million) from temple funds to support his online gambling activities.
The accused, Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat, or “Chao Khun Yaem,” was the abbot (head monk) of Wat Rai Khing, a highly respected temple in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand.
Surrenders Himself Before Police Warrant Issued
He surrendered to police at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Bangkok at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 15 May 2025, just before police were set to request an arrest warrant.
That same evening, at 8:42 p.m., he officially disrobed in front of a Buddha statue with members of the media present, according to the Bangkok Post.
Temple Funds Allegedly Used to Top Up Gambling Activities
Police allege the monk embezzled temple funds to be transferred to his personal bank account, and then forwarded them to a woman acting as a broker linked to online gambling websites.
It is reported that the money was used to fund online gambling games.
Undercover Officer Sent Out to Gather Evidence
The investigation began after a tip-off, which led the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to send out an undercover officer to the temple for eight months to gather evidence.
Suspicious Bank Transactions
Bank records from 2021 to present showed at least 300 million baht (approx. S$11 million) in suspicious transactions from the temple’s accounts.
Furthermore, the monk’s personal account was reportedly linked to gambling platforms, with over 500 million baht (approx. S$19 million) in financial circulation, Nation Thailand reported.
Woman Arrested After Suspicious Transfers Traced to Her Account
Police also arrested 28-year-old Aranyawan Wangthapan on the same day (Thursday) at a residence in Pattaya.
This is after investigators traced a transfer of 100 million baht (approx. S$3.9 million) from the monk’s accounts to her personal bank account.
According to reports, she is associated with three companies believed to have laundered money through the gambling platform, collectively circulating over 800 million baht (approx. S$31.5 million) in just five months.
Connection to Monk Traced Back to School Days
During questioning, Aranyawan told police she knew the monk from Wat Rai Khing School.
She admitted to borrowing 40 million baht (approx. S$1.5 million) from him in 2021 for investment purposes, and they remained in frequent contact through video and phone calls.
Private Videos Found in Monk’s Phone
In addition to this, Khaosod English reported that police found private videos in the monk’s phone. This includes videos of Aranyawan bathing and audio clips discussing debt collection.
Temple Raided, Documents and Devices Seized
On Friday, 16 May 2025, police searched four locations linked to this case.
These included three sites on temple grounds and one outside location believed to be the monk’s residence.
Officers later confiscated computers, mobile phones, and documents for examination.
Additionally, a fellow monk believed to have helped Wachiranuwat transfer the temple funds has since “vanished.”
Legal Charges Under Public Misconduct Laws
Since temple abbots are classified as public officials under Thai law, Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat faced multiple criminal charges, including misappropriation of funds, abuse of official duties, and misconduct by a state official.
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