The court sentenced former Monk Thepwatcharasitthimethi to 12 years in prison and ordered him to repay 3 million baht after collaborating with "Sik Golf" to embezzle donations intended for Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Phichit.
On 2 Jul 2026 GMT+7, a reporter reported that on 29 Jun, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases read its verdict in case number Or Thor 195/2568. The public prosecutor from the Special Prosecutor's Office for Anti-Corruption Cases 2 filed charges against Mr. Wirat, also known as former Monk Thepwatcharasitthimethi, former Provincial Sangha Chief of Phichit, and former abbot of Wat Tha Luang Royal Monastery. He was charged with embezzlement of property by an official and misconduct in office.
The case involved Mr. Wirat, who held the position of Provincial Sangha Chief of Phichit and served as director overseeing Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phichit Campus (MCU Phichit). Donors contributed 3,000,000 baht for the development of MCU Phichit, which was transferred through Mr. Wirat's personal bank account. However, he committed fraud by not depositing the money into the university's account. Evidence showed he collaborated with Ms. Wilawan, known as "Sik Golf," to embezzle the funds for their own use.
The defendant was held in custody during the trial.
The court found the defendant guilty as charged, sentenced him to 12 years in prison, and ordered him to return or pay 3,000,000 baht to the victims.
Since the defendant did not request bail during the appeal, correctional officers immediately took him into custody at Bangkok Remand Prison.