In a deeply distressing turn of events, the abbot of a temple in Sena district, Ayutthaya, has been found dead, leaving behind a note outlining his anguish over financial betrayal by a supposed benefactor. The 68-year-old abbot's death has prompted local police to swiftly investigate the alleged fraud, which involved a considerable sum of 650,000 baht.

 

The somber discovery was made by temple devotees on October 20. The note revealed that the abbot had been deceived by a man identified as Lek, who had masqueraded as a benefactor during a Kathin ceremony, a significant Buddhist festival. The note lamented that Lek not only swindled the abbot but also coerced him into borrowing money from nine other temple patrons with a false promise of repayment through lottery ticket profits.

 

Lek's repeated postponements from September onwards had driven the abbot to a state of despair, evidenced in his poignant words: “Lek, a rogue in the guise of a saint, booked the Kathin ceremony and cheated me. I couldn’t bear it any longer and had to do the unthinkable.”

Chief of Ayutthaya Provincial Police, Police Major General Chotiwat Lueangwilai, has prioritised the investigation, assembling officers to gather evidence and bring Lek in for questioning. The accused has a history with fraud, linked to three prior cases.

 

As police intensify their efforts, they have issued a summons for the suspect, who is now under scrutiny. Should the suspect fail to appear voluntarily, authorities plan to proceed with an arrest warrant. The community eagerly awaits justice, mourning the loss of a revered religious leader, as they underscore the need to uphold trust and sanctity within the sacred space of faith.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-21

 

 

Wasn't aware that future lottery ticket wins can be used as a loan guarantee. 

Monks probably think they are as good as holy spirit as guarantee