A viral CCTV clip shows Luang Por Atichot, abbot of the royal Phutthaisawan Temple, engaging in sexual misconduct with a female lay assistant at the dining table. Attention is on the abbot's upcoming disrobing ceremony as local residents express disappointment over the incident that occurred.
On 10 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported on the latest developments regarding the Crime Suppression Division (CIB) officers taking into custody Phra Wachirayan Wi, also known as Luang Por Atichot, abbot of the royal Phutthaisawan Temple in Samphaom Lom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Authorities are currently investigating.
Initial reports indicate that Phra Wachirayan Wi has provided information concerning the sexual misconduct allegations. Officials are gathering evidence and verifying facts further. This afternoon, a white robe set was prepared for the disrobing ceremony before authorities take him back to the Crime Suppression Division for questioning and to expand the investigation into financial transactions totaling approximately 92 million baht, including verifying related transactions and evidence.
Authorities are scheduled to hold a press conference on the case’s progress tomorrow, 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7.
Authorities arrested Phra Wachirayan Wi, originator of the 'Nuea Duang' amulet of Phra Jatukam, under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct in Office, Region 1, No. 29/2569 dated 8 Sep 2026, on charges including "embezzlement by a government official, malfeasance or neglect of duty by a government official, conspiracy and money laundering."
Meanwhile, the female lay assistant, Ms. Punyavee, was arrested under a warrant issued by the same court, No. 30/2569 dated 8 Sep 2026, on charges of "supporting embezzlement by a government official, supporting malfeasance or neglect of duty by a government official, supporting state official misconduct, conspiracy and money laundering."
At the same time, the atmosphere inside Phutthaisawan Temple remains normal with visitors coming to pay respects as usual. Some were unaware of the incident until they encountered numerous police officers and saw the church entrance cordoned off, preventing the public from entering the ordination hall during evidence collection. This caused some visitors to be curious before learning about the incident later.
When asked, visitors expressed sadness and disappointment over the incident, saying they regularly come to pay respects and respect Phutthaisawan Temple and never expected such an event to happen at this important and well-known temple. They emphasized the need to separate the individual's actions from the religion and temple as a whole and urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the facts through proper procedures.
Reporters also noted that social media has circulated CCTV clips allegedly showing the abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple engaging in sexual misconduct with a female lay assistant inside a room resembling a kitchen used for food preparation. Behind them is an altar table, and in the middle of the room is the dining table where the abbot eats. The released clips show the assistant wearing the same outfit multiple times, suggesting the incident was not isolated. In some clips, the dining table is used for the illicit activity.