A timeline reveals that the former abbot of Phuttha Thaisawan Temple and the close laywoman Sika Ae started as lay attendants and became unusually wealthy within three years, acquiring houses, cars, and numerous assets.
On 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7 at the Crime Suppression Division, reporters were informed that police arrested “Sami Choti” or “Thid Choti,” former abbot of Phuttha Thaisawan Royal Monastery, a renowned temple in Ayutthaya, known for the original 'Nuea Duang' Jatukam amulet. He is accused of embezzling over 100 million baht in temple donations, along with close laywoman Ms. Punyavee, known as Sika Ae. The arrests occurred on the morning of 10 Sep 2026 GMT+7.
The operation was led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattakrit Chaowanasai, Commissioner of the Crime Suppression Division; Pol. Maj. Gen. Suwat Saengnum, Deputy Commissioner; Pol. Maj. Gen. Jarunkiet Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner; Pol. Maj. Gen. Patthanasak Bupphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division; along with Police Colonels Wichak Tarom, Pathak Khwana, Phaet Ngamlom, Phongpanot Chukaew, and Acting Police Colonel Jetanipat Siriwat, Chief of Division 1 of the Crime Suppression Division. They worked together with the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the National Office of Buddhism.
At one point, Acting Police Colonel Jetanipat Siriwat, Chief of Division 1, addressed questions about the timeline of the relationship between Thid Choti, the former abbot, and Sika Ae. He stated that Sika Ae became a lay attendant in 2007 but declined to specify when their acquaintance or closeness with the monk began. Investigations found that in 2019, Sika Ae was declared bankrupt and was discharged from bankruptcy in 2022.
Within three years, however, she became unusually wealthy, acquiring two houses, vehicles, and increasing assets despite lacking a stable occupation. This prompted scrutiny and legal action.
During interrogation, Sika Ae claimed her wealth came from legitimate business activities, which is her right, but the police have sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jarunkiet Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner, stated that temples with significant financial inflows often attract lay attendants who operate under the guise of devotees but behave like fraudsters. He urged the public and temple communities to be vigilant and prevent such individuals from exploiting religious institutions as parasites.