Thai Ex-Abbot’s Aide Found Wanted in Old Case
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Thai investigators have uncovered an older arrest warrant against Punyavee Rungreung, the 47-year-old female confidante known as “Ai Je” in the Wat Phutthaisawan case, while continuing to probe alleged temple fund embezzlement and money laundering. Police also said former abbot Atichot Thanprasert told investigators he had known her since 2007, but that their sexual relationship began about two years ago.
Key Points
- Police said Punyavee Rungreung, 47, had been wanted since 2020 by Pathum Thani Provincial Court over alleged joint production and sale of counterfeit chemical fertiliser for commercial purposes.
- The former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, Atichot Thanprasert, is under investigation for alleged misappropriation of temple donations and sexual relations with a female devotee.
- Investigators said CCTV footage from April 5 and July 17, and later additional clips, showed the pair kissing and embracing in the monks’ quarters kitchen and near a microwave.
- Police estimated suspected losses linked to the temple at about 92 million baht, while searches found 138 million baht in cash, about 70 million baht in gold, and bank deposits exceeding 290 million baht tied to Atichot.
- A court denied bail to both suspects, citing the large sums involved, the ongoing tracing of funds and other suspects, and concern they could interfere with evidence if released.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case is a reminder that religious donation scandals can quickly widen into parallel criminal investigations involving older warrants, asset tracing and money-laundering allegations. The refusal of bail and the scale of assets under scrutiny suggest the Thai investigation is moving beyond personal misconduct to a broader financial case.