The police hinted that the ‘Samichote-Sikaa Ae’ case may have a second and third phase depending on the evidence. Meanwhile, the ‘orange round table’ is not related to the criminal case; it was merely requested to be removed from the temple to avoid becoming a tourist attraction.
On 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that the Crime Suppression Division held a press conference regarding 'Samichote' or 'Thidchote,' formerly Chao Khun Atichote, abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal temple in Ayutthaya. He is the originator of the Phor Jatukam coin, ‘Neua Duang’ edition, accused of embezzling over 100 million baht in temple donations. He is wanted under arrest warrant No. 29/2569 dated 8 Sep 2026, issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 1, on charges of official embezzlement, dereliction of duty, misconduct by a state official, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering.
Sikaa Ae, Ms. Punyavee, was arrested under arrest warrant No. 30/2569 dated 8 Sep 2026, issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 1, on charges of aiding official embezzlement, aiding dereliction of duty or misconduct by a public official, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering.
During questioning, reporters asked if there were additional individuals involved in the case, including the issue of the orange round table. Deputy Police Colonel Jetanipat Siriwat, Commander of Division 1, Crime Suppression Division, said that there might be a second and third phase of prosecution depending on the evidence. They did not want to speculate on who might be involved. He added that if individuals are truly innocent, they should not fear police investigation. There have been two complaints suggesting irregularities, prompting an investigation that uncovered wrongdoing or inappropriate conduct. Therefore, it was necessary yesterday to thoroughly clean the temple grounds.
Regarding the ‘orange round table’ issue, it is not a police or criminal matter, as the police only handle violations of state law. If the misconduct is ecclesiastical, it is not a police matter but a disciplinary issue within the monastic community. Yesterday afternoon, the person involved renounced his monkhood.
“That place should be a temple, a historical site, a sacred place. If people want to follow trends or visit as a tourist spot, like following a drama trail, I hope they follow constructive examples,” Deputy Police Colonel Jetanipat said.
Deputy Police Colonel Jetanipat also said that the public should focus on the substance of the case, not the round table. He wants the table and negative symbols removed from the temple. This is not part of the criminal case but a matter of cleaning garbage and waste from the temple. Sometimes such matters spread quickly and turn into memes for amusement based on inappropriate content.
When asked about future plans for the table, Deputy Police Colonel Jetanipat hinted, “We’ll keep pressing the matter,” adding that it was not within the police’s mindset. The table was removed after a request, with only the Crime Suppression Division acting. As for where it will go, he said he did not want people to pay attention to it.