AYUTTHAYA, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand — Security camera recordings documenting intimate sexual relations within sacred quarters brought down a senior Buddhist leader on September 10, 2026. Law enforcement officers executed a targeted intervention at Wat Phutthaisawan, a historic royal monastery situated in tambon Samphao Lom, district Muang, in the central province of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
The core of the investigation intensified after internal closed-circuit television footage exposed the 66-year-old abbot, formerly known as Phra Wachirayan or Luang Pho Atichot, engaging in conduct strictly forbidden by monastic vows alongside a 47-year-old female lay collaborator, Punyavee Rungrueang. Following the early morning raid around 06:00 hours by the Crime Suppression Division under the Central Investigation Bureau, the religious figure was promptly stripped of his sacred status, changing into white laicized garments before being transferred for questioning.
Beyond the disciplinary violation documented on video, the police operation uncovered massive financial irregularities linked to the pair. Investigators armed with warrants issued on September 8, 2026, by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases revealed that the former abbot had systematically issued unauthorized donation receipts over a two-year span, resulting in an estimated deficit exceeding 92 million baht in temple funds.
During subsequent searches of associated properties, authorities seized a wide array of evidence connected to the financial diversion and the scandal:
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- Approximately 90 baht of gold valued at over 6 million baht
- Over 3.5 million baht in physical cash
- Deeds, bank accounts, investment documents, and electronic devices
- The specific table featured in the internal surveillance recordings
Because abbots of royal monasteries maintain official status under national legal frameworks, both suspects face heavy charges including malfeasance, abuse of authority, and money laundering conspiracy, while sacristan Chettha Ninsukhum was summoned to provide formal testimony.
Religious leaders and community groups expressed profound disappointment over the convergence of vow violations and corruption, noting that the video evidence severely damages public trust in monastic administration. Observers and citizens alike have called for stricter internal oversight to safeguard religious institutions from similar misconduct.
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