Police revealed that funds for purchasing sacred amulets under "Thid Choti" were not deposited into the temple's account but were transferred to a newly established foundation, which has not received official authorization and cannot issue donation receipts.
On 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that the Crime Suppression Division held a press conference regarding "Sami Choti" or "Thid Choti," former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal monastery and renowned temple in Ayutthaya, originator of the revered Jatukam amulet, model "Neua Duang". He is charged with embezzling over 100 million baht in temple donations, based on an arrest warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, case no. 29/2026 dated 8 Sep 2026, on charges of "being a government official misappropriating property, dereliction of duty or misconduct, collusion in money laundering, and conspiracy to launder money."
Alongside, an associate named Puanyavee was arrested under arrest warrant no. 30/2026 dated 8 Sep 2026 from the same court, charged with "aiding a government official in misappropriating property, aiding in dereliction of duty or misconduct, and conspiracy to launder money."
When asked about the financial trail, Police Colonel Jetanipat Siriwat, Superintendent of Division 1, Crime Suppression Division, said donations are clearly intended for either the monks or the abbot. They do not interfere with the abbot’s personal use of funds, as he requires resources for various activities. However, when devotees donate specifically to support the monastic community’s affairs, such donations may be in cash or other assets. There are traces of transfers, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has assisted in the investigation. In this case, money was transferred in and out and redeposited, but the suspect claims to have no recollection or explanation, which he must clarify with AMLO.
Regarding two money streams amounting to 89 million and 22 million baht and their recipients, Police Major General Patanasak Bupphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, stated that some answers must be withheld as investigations continue in phases. What is clear is that over about three months, donations and funds from devotees renting amulets and money intended for temple maintenance, totaling over 90 million baht, were deposited into an account of a foundation established by the abbot. However, this foundation was not properly authorized. Subsequently, money was transferred from the foundation to the abbot’s personal account, revealing a criminal scheme.
When asked where the funds transferred to after entering, Major General Patanasak said investigations revealed two main recipients: the abbot himself and a female associate. Further tracing is underway to identify others involved. Once identified, legal action will be taken.
Police Lieutenant General Nathsak Chaowanasee, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, explained that the 92 million baht fund clearly did not enter the temple’s account, confirming the offense. Following arrests and searches, assets exceeding 100 million baht were discovered. The authorities will continue investigating the origin of these assets and cash seized initially and will act accordingly if additional assets are found, following established procedures.
Regarding the donation receipts issued, Police Colonel Jetanipat said it is clearer to refer to them as "donation evidence." When a person donates, they receive proof of donation. In this case, since the money did not enter the temple—although payments were made for amulets and funds transferred to a charitable organization called Wat Choti Foundation, established after the major case arose—this foundation is not authorized to issue donation receipts. This means the money never reached the temple, yet the temple issued donation certificates.
Asked whether this foundation is publicly known, Police Colonel Jetanipat said he only became aware of it during investigations over the past 1–2 months. He is unsure if it is well known; it was only established late last year.
Regarding rumors that the creation of the famous amulet is linked to this case, authorities will limit prosecution to events from 2022 onwards when the suspect was abbot. The amulets may have been created before his tenure. Combining both periods would cause confusion; thus, investigations focus on the relevant timeframe and the establishment dates of organizations receiving funds.