Ex-monk Atichot donned white robes to undergo defrocking after being arrested at his temple residence over allegations of embezzling 92 million baht and a video scandal involving adultery with a female attendant.
On 10 September 2026, officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CIB) detained Phra Wachirayan Wi, known as ex-monk Atichot, abbot of Phuttha Thisawan Royal Temple in Samphalom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, after uncovering behavior involving the misappropriation of temple funds for personal use. The suspect allegedly transferred more than 92 million baht to a close female attendant to launder the assets. The arrest took place at the temple residence earlier that morning.
Recent reports indicate that Phra Wachirayan Wi, or ex-monk Atichot, was taken to the ordination hall to undergo a defrocking ceremony, after which he changed into white robes. He faces charges including "misappropriation of property by an official, misconduct or neglect of duty by an official, state official misconduct, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering" following findings that he embezzled over 92 million baht from the temple and transferred the funds to a close female attendant to conceal the crime. Authorities also possess video evidence showing him engaging in adultery with the female attendant inside the residence.