Former Monk Wanted for Embezzling Temple Funds & Gambling Millions of Baht

[Georgealbert]

 

 

The Loei Provincial Court has issued an arrest warrant for former monk Phra Maha Paktavee Phimkeeree (Akkaveero), also known as “Khruba Arm,” aged 34. Despite serving as a monk for 10 years, the former resident of Wat Pa Veluwanaram in Wang Saphung District, Loei, is accused of defrauding temple donors of millions of baht and losing the funds through online gambling.

 

On November 15, the court issued warrant No. J.4282 for Mr. Paktavee’s arrest on charges of fraud. The case involves allegations of borrowing money under false pretenses from various individuals, including the director of Pak Chom Hospital and the provincial ecclesiastical governor. He allegedly misused these funds, originally intended for temple projects, for gambling activities.

 

The fraud began on May 2, 2024, when Mr. Paktavee approached the director of Pak Chom Hospital, claiming to represent the abbot of Wat Pa Veluwanaram. He requested an advance of 300,000 baht, supposedly to organise a charity event for a temple construction project. Over the following months, he made five more requests, borrowing a total of 7 million baht. He claimed the funds were for projects such as a pilgrimage to Sri Lanka, promising future donations to repay the debt. However, after the pilgrimage, he disappeared, and the abbot denied authorising any such actions.

 

Further investigations revealed that Mr. Paktavee had opened bank accounts under the temple’s name and redirected donations into these accounts. Over 200 million baht reportedly flowed through these accounts, with most transactions occurring at night and directed to banks in Chiang Rai and Mae Sai District. It is believed the total amount lost to online gambling maybe as high as 100 million baht.

 

The scandal came to light after the abbot and temple committee questioned Mr. Paktavee, leading to his confession. He signed an agreement acknowledging his debts, but the damage was already done. The abbot and other officials reported him to the police, as the funds came from public donations. Despite being summoned by authorities, Mr. Paktavee failed to appear, prompting the issuance of the arrest warrant. Police suspect he may be planning to flee to a neighbouring country.

 

The case has shocked the temple’s devotees, many of whom were high-ranking officials, doctors, and others who deeply respected the temple’s abbot. The abbot, a disciple of the renowned meditation master Luang Pu Chob Thanasamo, has long been a figure of reverence in Loei Province. Followers who donated to the temple are demanding justice and questioning whether their contributions ever reached the temple.

 

Mr. Paktavee’s close association with the abbot had earned him public trust during his monastic career. However, the betrayal has left a trail of financial and emotional damage, with victims spread across multiple provinces.

 

Police are actively pursuing leads to locate Mr. Paktavee and ensure he faces justice for his actions. The case has become a high-profile example of misuse of public trust in Thailand’s religious institutions.

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

-- 2024-11-17

 

[TheFishman1]

From Village Moses to the monks corruption top to bottom where is the Red Bull KTIT

[RichardColeman]

16 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

It is believed the total amount lost to online gambling maybe as high as 100 million baht.

I think this must be a complete brain dead idiot. 100 million ? Just get the money and run , dont gamble it. Pretty sure he could live an excellent life on that money

[quake]

Monks and former Monks,  up to monkey business.

It's almost a daily occurrence here. ( getting caught that is ). 

[hotchilli]

41 minutes ago, TheFishman1 said:

From Village Moses to the monks corruption top to bottom where is the Red Bull KTIT

Bought his freedom....

[Bruce Aussie Chiang Mai]

Time to start another money tree for the temple. People who have virtually nothing love to give to the temples.  

Amazing Thailand

[jippytum]

 it would seem your average temple is the place to go for sex and debauchery these days. 

Puts Pattaya's red light district in the shade by comparison. 

[john donson]

tax free fraud having for criminals and they still dare to go for donations from the poor