A senior Buddhist monk in Thailand has drawn widespread attention after CCTV footage allegedly showed him engaging in an intimate act with a woman inside his monastic residence.
The footage surfaced during a police investigation into alleged embezzlement involving more than 92 million baht, or around RM11.3 million, in temple funds.
CCTV allegedly shows monk with woman
The man involved was identified as Phra Wachirayan Wi, 66, also known as Luang Pho Atichot Dhammavaro, who was then the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya.
According to Khaosod English, investigators reviewing CCTV footage from the monk’s quarters reportedly found footage showing him engaging in intimate conduct with a woman described as his close associate.
A later police briefing reported by The Nation said investigators obtained evidence that the monk had sexual intercourse with the woman, identified as Punyawee “Ae” Rungrueang.
Authorities said this constituted a parajika offence under Buddhist monastic rules, resulting in the immediate loss of his monk status.
The footage was later widely circulated by Thai media.
Pair later arrested
The CCTV footage emerged as authorities were investigating allegations involving temple finances.
Police alleged that more than 92 million baht (approx. RM11.23 million) had been diverted from Wat Phutthaisawan, including money collected through donation receipts issued under the temple’s name.
According to Malay Mail, investigators identified around 89 million baht in donations intended for temple renovations and another 2.8 million baht from payments for Buddhist amulets and other sacred objects.
Police alleged that none of the money entered the temple’s official account.
The monk and the 47-year-old woman were later arrested.
She is accused of helping convert and conceal some of the funds.
More than RM26mil in assets seized
Police also seized assets worth around 215 million baht, or roughly RM26.48 million, during the investigation.
These included 16kg of gold bars and jewellery, cash and 28 land title deeds, while investigators are still determining which assets were personally owned and which may belong to the temple.
The former abbot was formally defrocked following the investigation, while Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau said the probe would be expanded to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
