Thai Enquirer
Police trace over 700 million baht in former Ayutthaya abbot case
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Police have seized or frozen more than 700 million baht in assets linked to Phra Wachirayan, also known as Luang Pho Atichot Dhammavaro, the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal monastery in Ayutthaya, and his female associate, Punyawi “Ae” Run
Key facts
- Investigators said the former abbot diverted about 92 million baht intended for the temple, comprising 2.8 million baht from 22 amulet transactions and 89 million baht in donations for temple maintenance
- Assets linked to the former abbot were valued at more than 498 million baht, including 290 million baht in bank accounts, 138.3 million baht in cash and over 1,000 baht-weight of gold
- Assets linked to Punyawi were valued at about 215 million baht and included cash, gold, land documents, bank accounts and savings certificates
- They were remanded by the Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on Friday, with police opposing bail because of concerns they could flee or interfere with evidence
Summary
Investigators said the former abbot diverted about 92 million baht intended for the temple, comprising 2.8 million baht from 22 amulet transactions and 89 million baht in donations for temple maintenance. The money was allegedly routed through the unauthorised Wan Chot Foundation into personal accounts, while donation receipts were issued in the temple’s name. None of the money entered the temple’s accounts.
Assets linked to the former abbot were valued at more than 498 million baht, including 290 million baht in bank accounts, 138.3 million baht in cash and over 1,000 baht-weight of gold. Assets linked to Punyawi were valued at about 215 million baht and included cash, gold, land documents, bank accounts and savings certificates.