Buddhist monk arrested in suspected $3m embezzlement scandal
A former Buddhist abbot in Thailand has been arrested on charges of embezzling over $3 million in temple donations. Police discovered cash and gold bars at his residence, and the monk was defrocked following the discovery of his involvement in a sex scandal.
Why it matters
Exposes corruption within religious institutions and highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to address monastic misconduct.
Image source, Getty Images By Kelly Ng Published 10 minutes ago Thai police have arrested a Buddhist monk on suspicion of embezzling 100 million baht ($3m; £2.2m) from his monastery, along with a suspected female accomplice he was filmed having sex with.
Phra Wachirayan Wi, a former abbot at the prominent 14th-century Wat Phutthaisawan in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, allegedly pocketed donations meant for the temple on more than 20 occasions over two years.
In Thailand, Buddhist monks take a vow of celibacy and also renounce material possessions. He was defrocked after his arrest. He has yet to comment publicly.
The latest arrests come just over a year after another sex-and-blackmail case involving senior monks rocked Thailand's monastic community.
The 66-year-old was known for creating a highly-coveted coin amulet. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reportedly owns some of his creations.
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