The Crime Suppression Division announced the arrest of "former Abbot Otichote," the head monk of Wat Phutthaisawan, and searched six locations, uncovering massive assets including 144 million baht in cash, 1,066 baht of gold, amulets, and land deeds.
On 11 Sep 2026 at the Crime Suppression Division headquarters, reporters were informed that police arrested "Sami Choti" or "Tid Choti," former Abbot Otichote of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal monastery and renowned temple in Ayutthaya known for the original Jatukam amulet "Nuea Duang" series. He was charged with embezzling over 100 million baht of temple donations under a warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 1, warrant number 29/2569 dated 8 Sep 2026, on charges including official embezzlement, misconduct or neglect of duty, abuse of power, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering.
Ms. Punyavee, known as "Sika Ae," was arrested under a separate warrant issued by the same court, warrant number 30/2569 dated 8 Sep 2026, charged with aiding official embezzlement, aiding misconduct or neglect of duty, aiding abuse of state official power, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering.
Reports indicate that authorities seized approximately 200 million baht in cash and gold from the monk's residence.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nathsak Chaowanasai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, stated that after receiving complaints, the Crime Suppression Division conducted an investigation into alleged violations of monastic discipline and the misuse of funds raised through temple donation receipts issued in the temple’s name but deposited into accounts of close associates. Warrants were issued for Mr. Choti and Ms. Punyavee, and searches at six locations resulted in the seizure of numerous assets for further examination.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Patthanasak Bupphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, explained that the case traces back to mid-July when a tip was received from a concerned citizen alleging improper conduct by the abbot and suspected temple fund corruption. Due to the temple’s large following, the investigation required caution. Evidence revealed two suspicious money flows: 22 million baht from issuing donation receipts for amulet rentals, and 89 million baht from donation receipts for temple maintenance, neither of which were deposited into the temple’s accounts. Authorities therefore concluded that temple funds were indeed embezzled, leading to warrants for Mr. Otichote and Ms. Punyavee before operations began on 10 Sep.
The Central Investigation Bureau coordinated with the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Department of Religious Affairs to search six locations across four provinces—Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, and Buriram—seizing converted assets totaling 215 million baht. These were hidden in various places in the monk’s residences, including 144 million baht in Thai and foreign currency cash, 1,066 baht of gold bars and jewelry, numerous amulets, and 28 land deeds. Authorities will continue to investigate to identify additional offenders and distinguish which funds are personal and which belong to the temple, aiming to restore public trust and faith in the temple.
The two suspects will be taken for detention at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 1 in Saraburi this afternoon. Authorities also called on two groups: first, Buddhist donors who gave to the temple through the abbot’s accounts and suspect funds were misused, encouraging them to provide information to the Crime Suppression Division at any time; second, monks or novices engaging in similar misconduct are urged to cease immediately, as any further offenses will not be tolerated.