Police reveal the financial trail of 'Thid Choti,' finding that funds for purchasing sacred amulets did not enter the temple's account but were transferred to a newly established foundation that is unauthorized and unable to 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 Royal Monastery, a famous temple in Ayutthaya, originator of the revered Jatukam amulet model "Neua Duang." He is charged with embezzling over 100 million baht in temple donations under arrest warrant No. 29/2026 dated 8 Sep 2026 from the Central Investigation Court on Corruption and Misconduct Region 1. The charges include abuse of official position, dereliction or corruption in duties, and conspiracy to launder money.
Also arrested was Ms. Punyavee, a female devotee, under arrest warrant No. 30/2026 dated 8 Sep 2026 from the same court, charged with aiding abuse of official position, aiding dereliction or corruption in duties, aiding state official misconduct, and conspiracy to launder money.
When asked about the financial trail found, Acting Police Colonel Jetanipat Siriwat, Superintendent of Division 1, Crime Suppression, said that donations are clearly intended for the monks or the abbot. They do not interfere with the abbot's personal use of funds for temple activities. However, for donations intended by devotees to maintain and support Buddhism, funds should be used for monastic affairs. Donations include both cash and other assets. There are signs of transfers, with the Anti-Money Laundering Office assisting. The case shows money being transferred in and withdrawn, then redeposited, but the person claims not to recall the sources and must explain this to the AML Office.
Regarding two financial streams of 89 million and 22 million baht, Police Major General Patanasak Bupphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, said that some answers remain confidential as investigations continue. What is certain is that funds from devotees renting amulets and donations for temple maintenance, totaling over 90 million baht within about three months, were deposited into a foundation established by the abbot. However, this foundation was unauthorized before transferring money into the abbot's personal account, revealing a criminal scheme.
When asked where the transferred money went, Major General Patanasak said that so far, some remains with the abbot, and some with a woman. Investigations continue to trace further recipients. If found, legal actions will follow.
Police Lieutenant General Nattasak Chaowanasai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, explained that the 92 million baht did not enter the temple account, which is a clear offense. After the arrest and search, assets exceeding 100 million baht were found. Authorities must continue to investigate the origin of seized cash and assets, and if additional assets are found, further legal steps will be taken according to existing procedures.
When asked whether the donation certificates issued were fake, Acting Police Colonel Jetanipat said it is clearer to refer to them as evidence of donations. Normally, when you donate, you receive proof of donation. In this case, the money did not reach the temple, even though it was used to purchase amulets and transferred to a charitable organization, called Wat Choti Foundation, established after the case emerged. Importantly, this foundation cannot issue donation receipts, meaning the money did not enter the temple, yet the temple issued donation certificates.
When asked if the foundation is well known in society, Acting Police Colonel Jetanipat said he only became aware of it during investigations over the past one to two months. Whether it is well known, he does not truly know, as it was just established late last year.
