Picture courtesy of Thaich8

 

A key figure linked to the Wat Rai Khing embezzlement scandal has been arrested in Pattaya, intensifying scrutiny over the 300-million-baht corruption case that has rocked Thailand’s religious establishment.

 

Ms Aranyawan Wangthaphan, 28, was apprehended, at approximately 16:30 on 15 May, by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) at a condominium on Pattaya Second Road, Chonburi, as part of the widening investigation into alleged financial misconduct by Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat (Yam Kittintharo), the abbot of Wat Rai Khing in Nakhon Pathom and chief monk of Region 14.

 

The arrest follows an extensive financial probe, which revealed that significant sums from Wat Rai Khing’s official accounts were repeatedly transferred into the personal bank account of the abbot. These funds were then allegedly passed on to Ms Aranyawan, who acted as a gambling broker, using her connections to transfer the money into various online baccarat platforms.

 

According to investigators, transactions exceeding 300 million baht were traced between 2021 and 2025, all originating from the temple’s finances.

 

Ms Aranyawan is no stranger to law enforcement. In December 2024, she was arrested by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) for her involvement in another illegal gambling network. She was released on bail and was awaiting trial when this latest scandal came to light.

 

Authorities say she played a central role in this case, acting as a financial intermediary and credit facilitator for the abbot’s gambling activities. Described by police as a “key cog” in Thailand’s underground online gambling industry, Ms Aranyawan reportedly held multiple bank accounts and managed financial flows for several illegal betting sites.

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1360791-nakhon-pathom-temple-abbot-in-hot-water-300-million-baht-embezzlement-shock/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Thaich8 2025-05-16.

 

 

 

 

 

Poky little 4k bargirl room for someone with a 300m slush fund ...

 

She's already sporting a Thaksin collar so she lands in the police hospital and not jail. That'll eat some way into 300m. 

5 hours ago, BusyB said:

She's already sporting a Thaksin collar

How does a face mask work as a C-collar?

22 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Ms Aranyawan is no stranger to law enforcement. In December 2024, she was arrested by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) for her involvement in another illegal gambling network. She was released on bail and was awaiting trial when this latest scandal came to light.

Kwaistone cops.

22 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

According to investigators, transactions exceeding 300 million baht were traced between 2021 and 2025, all originating from the temple’s finances.

Just goes to show how much these temple rake in...

10 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Just goes to show how much these temple rake in...

Fair point, they harp on how the monks live a simple life and shy away from materialism... yet so much money comes into these places, and as we see here, they hoard it!

Probably least said about the finances of certain temples and the activities of monks within them, the better. It’s not a subject for farang to comment on imho.

 

And in any case, can it be said that other religions such as the Roman Catholic Church or Church of England are hard up and many of its clergy living simple lives? Ostentatious opulence more like.

17 hours ago, BusyB said:

 

 

She's already sporting a Thaksin collar so she lands in the police hospital and not jail. That'll eat some way into 300m. 

 

Your eyes painted ?

 

Its a face mask pulled down.

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Your eyes painted ?

 

Its a face mask pulled down.

It's the best she could do at short notice...

20 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

It's the best she could do at short notice...

Being a <deleted> comes naturally for you ?

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

Being a <deleted> comes naturally for you ?

As naturally as being sarcastic like you...

5 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

Probably least said about the finances of certain temples and the activities of monks within them, the better. It’s not a subject for farang to comment on imho.

 

And in any case, can it be said that other religions such as the Roman Catholic Church or Church of England are hard up and many of its clergy living simple lives? Ostentatious opulence more like.

Other Religions? Since when is Buddhism a religion?

20 hours ago, Magictoad said:

Other Religions? Since when is Buddhism a religion?

Since I decided to call it that. Use the moniker Spiritual mumbo jumbo if you feel that religion is too restrictive.

 

But there is this :