Crime Former Monk’s Aide Confesses to Depositing Funds for Gambling Ring

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A former monk’s aide has confessed to depositing large sums of cash into a woman’s bank account on more than a hundred occasions, funds now suspected to be tied to an online gambling network. The case, unfolding rapidly in Bangkok, has shaken both religious and law enforcement circles as investigators widen their probe into illicit financial activities linked to the monastic community.

 

On the evening of 16 May, officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwphan, apprehended Mr Ekaphot Phukhang, 25, formerly known as Phra Maha Ekaphot Phukhang. Once a close confidant to the influential monk Phra Dhammawachiranuwat (Yaem Kittintharo), the former abbot of Wat Rai Khing temple, Mr Ekaphot was detained under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court.

 

He was taken into custody at the Government Complex in Chaeng Watthana and is now facing multiple charges under The Gambling Act and Anti-Money Laundering laws. These include promoting illegal online gambling, soliciting participation via electronic platforms, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and direct involvement in laundering illicit funds.

 

During interrogation, Mr Ekaphot admitted to depositing cash, ranging from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand baht, into the account of Ms Aranyawan Wangtaphan. These transactions, made through various cash deposit machines, are believed to have been on the instruction of former Abbot Yaem. Mr Ekaphot claims he was unaware of the funds’ connection to the online gambling platform “LAGALAXY911.”

 

He has now been transferred to Thung Song Hong Police Station, with investigators seeking court approval to remand him in custody.

 

No Bail for Key Suspects

 

In a related development, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on 17 May authorised the first round of detention for two primary suspects in the case, Mr Yaem Inkrungkao (formerly Phra Dhammawachiranuwat) and Ms Aranyawan Wangtaphan. They are charged with embezzling state assets and abusing their official positions for personal gain.

 

The court granted a 12-day detention order while rejecting bail requests for both defendants. Investigators strongly opposed bail due to the high financial damage involved and the risk of evidence tampering. Notably, Mr Yaem did not apply for bail, and he has been transferred to Bangkok Remand Prison.

 

Meanwhile, Ms Aranyawan’s request for temporary release was denied. The court cited the seriousness of the charges, the digital nature of the evidence, and her involvement in another criminal case already under the jurisdiction of the Ratchada Criminal Court. Authorities fear that if released, she could interfere with witnesses or abscond.

 

Ms Aranyawan has now been remanded to the Central Women’s Correctional Institution.

 

The case forms part of a broader investigation into illegal online gambling networks, some of which allegedly have links to influential monastic figures. Authorities expect further arrests as the CCIB continues to examine suspicious financial flows and potential collusion involving religious and laypersons alike.

 

The scandal has prompted renewed calls for greater financial transparency and regulatory oversight within monastic institutions.

 

Related articles:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1360815-high-profile-temple-embezzlement-case online-gambling-broker-arrested-in-pattaya/

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

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-18.