Former Abbot Handed 50 Years Over Temple Funds Scandal

A Thai court has sentenced former abbot Phra Dhammawachiranuwat, also known as Tid Yaem, to 50 years in prison for embezzling more than 2 billion baht from Wat Rai Khing temple funds. The verdict was delivered on April 21 by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Taling Chan, with the former monk convicted on 19 counts. Investigators began digging into the temple’s finances in mid-2025 after complaints emerged, with undercover officers reportedly posing as monks during the inquiry. Authorities said they found evidence that temple money had been misused between 2021 and 2024, with at least 300 million baht diverted. In addition to the prison term, the court ordered repayment of 28 million baht, marking one of the most serious financial scandals to hit Thailand’s Buddhist establishment in recent years.

Doubt that the thief will really do his time of 50 years. Surely there will be some divine sent Pardon given out somewhere along time.