Scandal in Thailand: Buddhist Monk Caught on Camera Having Sex as He Faces $2.6 Million Theft Allegations

A major new scandal involving Thailand’s Buddhist clergy is unfolding. A senior monk was caught on surveillance footage having sex with a woman, and was later arrested on suspicion of stealing around $2.6 million intended for his temple.

The case has dealt another blow to the reputation of Thailand’s Buddhist clergy in a country where the majority of the population practices Buddhism. A year ago, Thailand was rocked by another scandal involving sex, blackmail and large sums of temple money, prompting calls for tighter financial oversight of temples.

Surveillance footage obtained by Thai media shows 66-year-old Phra Wachirayan Wi, the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan temple in Ayutthaya, the country’s ancient capital, having sex with a woman on a table inside his residence.

In Thailand, Buddhist monks take vows of celibacy and renounce material possessions.

On Thursday, Phra Wachirayan was arrested on charges including embezzlement and money laundering. The 47-year-old woman seen with him in the footage was also arrested. She is suspected of helping transfer and conceal the funds.

Police launched an investigation into the monk in mid-July after receiving an anonymous complaint accusing him of inappropriate behavior and the unlawful use of temple funds.

During the investigation, authorities also seized assets worth around 215 million baht — approximately £4.8 million. They included 16 kilograms of gold bars and jewelry, as well as 28 land title documents.

Police are now working to determine which of the assets belonged personally to the monk and which belonged to the temple.

“We will expand the investigation to identify everyone involved and restore public trust in Buddhism,” Central Investigation Bureau Commissioner Nattasak Chaowanasaid said.

Wat Phutthaisawan is considered one of Thailand’s well-known royal temples. It has a large following that includes government officials, businesspeople, police officers and members of the military.

The former abbot, also known as Luang Pho Atichot, was widely known for creating Buddhist amulets. It was reported that among those who wore his amulets was Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Shortly after his arrest, the monk was defrocked. He has not yet commented on the allegations against him.

The latest scandal comes just a year after another case that shocked Thailand. At the time, police arrested a woman accused of blackmailing at least 11 monks with whom she had sexual relationships. According to investigators, she allegedly extorted nearly $12 million from them in temple funds.

Last year, a prominent Thai monk who became known for establishing a hospice for people living with HIV and AIDS was also arrested. He was accused of illegally using donations intended for the project.