Nakhon Pathom Temple Abbot in Hot Water: 300 Million Baht Embezzlement Shock

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of THai PBS World

 

The revered abbot of Rai Khing Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Phra Dhamvachiranuwat, faces serious accusations as a warrant is issued for his arrest.

 

The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases launched the warrant today due to allegations of embezzling funds from the temple amounting to approximately THB 300 million. His reputation now hangs in the balance amid charges of corruption and misconduct.

 

The call for arrest came from Pol Maj-Gen Prasong Chalermbhand, head of the Police Counter Corruption Division. Earlier on, the abbot had appeared at the Central Investigation Bureau, educating officials of his innocence, though such declarations met with sceptical ears.

 

The notable clergy member, who also serves as the chief monk of Region 14, was joined by legal counsel and aides in his initiative to clear his name.

 

This financial scandal involves public donations funneled through seven temple-affiliated bank accounts. Records indicate that starting in 2021, the abbot allegedly made several suspicious transactions, moving 1-2 million baht at a time into his private accounts via cash deposit machines.

 

Such transactions tally up to at least THB 63 million being wired to a 26-year-old woman, allegedly connected to an online gambling racket.

 

The woman, now also facing an arrest warrant, had ties with a gambling platform known as "LAGALAXY911". Her past dealings had previously led to her apprehension but averted further detention through bail, her movements monitored via an ankle device. Authorities are now reviving efforts to bring her into custody alongside the abbot.

 

As investigations press on, the abbot's bank account reportedly had amassed over THB 500 million at one juncture. Phra Dhamvachiranuwat embarked on his spiritual path at a tender age and rose to his current position of influence. Despite his attempts to address the accusations, legal hurdles are mounting, casting a dark cloud over the religious community.

 

Authorities remain steadfast, gathering all essential evidence to process the charges. Observers await the next development in this unfolding case, which touches not just a religious institution but also raises questions regarding trust and faith in societal pillars. The legal machinery is expected to bring clarity in the coming days as all eyes remain on Rai Khing Temple and its embattled abbot.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now fromThai PBS World 2025-05-16

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
High-Profile Temple Embezzlement Case: Online Gambling Broker Arrested in Pattaya

 

[hotchilli]

Wat Pailom in mueang nakhon pathom needs to be investigated too... the monk there seems to have some luxury items.. including a rare Panther coupe

[Tarteso]

The same thing happens with other religions, both the rich and the ignorant poor who donate to the temple out of religious belief. Once upon a time, you paid the Pope, he forgave your sins, and gave you safe passage to heaven when you died while Vatican Bank fills the coffers.The muslin virgin thing is a different story, but the price is higher.🙏

[BusyB]

2 hours ago, Tarteso said:

The same thing happens with other religions, both the rich and the ignorant poor who donate to the temple out of religious belief. Once upon a time, you paid the Pope, he forgave your sins, and gave you safe passage to heaven when you died while Vatican Bank fills the coffers.The muslin virgin thing is a different story, but the price is higher.🙏

 

Yeah it's all pretty much the same scam in different literary garments.

 

Shame about the Buddhists though - 'cos at least they don't have any official sky fairies or virgins.

 

Still it's what you make of it and a corrupt abbot, who's obviously on a longer and more painful path to enlightenment than mine, certainly won't put me off.

[emptypockets]

16 hours ago, webfact said:

Her past dealings had previously led to her apprehension but averted further detention through bail, her movements monitored via an ankle device. Authorities are now reviving efforts to bring her into custody alongside the abbot.

Say what?

[trainman34014]

When will people here learn that Monks are just Men in Orange Robes ?