Thai ex-abbot held over temple fund scandal
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Former Wat Phutthaisawan abbot Luang Por Chot was arrested after Thai investigators alleged that temple donations were diverted and laundered through a wider financial network. The case has drawn added public attention because police and local residents also linked him to sexual relationships with female devotees and other women.
Key Points
- Police arrested Luang Por Chot and a 47-year-old female devotee surnamed Punyavee on September 10 after an anonymous tip-off was made in July.
- Investigators said donations totalling more than 100 million baht collected in the temple’s name were not deposited into temple accounts.
- At least 92 million baht is suspected to have been misappropriated, and the case also includes a money-laundering allegation.
- Searches at six locations in Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Buriram uncovered assets worth about 215 million baht, including cash, gold bars and jewellery.
- The Anti-Corruption Criminal Court approved 12-day detention for both suspects, denied bail, and Chot has since been defrocked.
Why It Matters
The case has become more than a financial crime investigation because it involves a prominent royal temple and allegations that could further damage public trust in religious donations and temple management in Thailand. For Hong Kong readers, it is also a reminder that cross-border visitors making donations at major regional religious sites may pay closer attention to transparency and oversight.