Inside Wat Phutthaisawan in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, some tourists continue to visit despite the scandal involving the former abbot and a female devotee. Most consider it a personal issue unrelated to the temple.
In a major news story shaking the Buddhist community, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested Phra Wachirayan Wi. (Atichoti Thammawaro), known as “Luang Pho Atichoti,” the 66-year-old abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan Royal Monastery in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. He was charged under a court warrant from the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct in Office Region 1 with embezzlement of temple assets, misconduct in office, and conspiracy to launder money after complaints surfaced about transferring temple funds to a close female devotee.
At 09:30 on 11 Sep 2026 at Wat Phutthaisawan, Samphao Lom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, a letter from the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Sangha Office appointed an acting abbot for the royal monastery. Since Phra Wachirayan renounced monkhood on 10 Sep 2026, leaving the abbot position vacant, Phra Phiphatthanasankan Witthan, currently abbot of Wat Tha Karon and deputy provincial ecclesiastical head, was appointed acting abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan.
At the temple today, some tourists still visited. Police from the Crime Suppression Division cordoned off the former abbot’s residence with tape, forbidding entry or exit, and sealed the door with stickers. However, the ordination hall and other temple areas remained open for worshippers as usual.
Mr. Prasop Sukkhamruangsri, a local resident who visited the temple today, told reporters that he came yesterday to pay respects when the Crime Suppression Division arrested the female devotee, “Ae,” and the former abbot. Many tourists and temple visitors were startled, but Ae remained smiling and unfazed by the arrest.
He said he has been visiting this temple for many years but noticed Ae only about three to four years ago. He believes the temple community is well aware of her status. Previously, rumors circulated about other female devotees close to the abbot, but Ae seemed to have control and thus stayed longer.
Regarding the food offerings on the abbot’s table shown in photos, Ae mostly purchased and arranged them for the abbot’s meals, though some dishes were prepared by the temple’s cook. It is not surprising that Ae has millions of baht despite no regular job, as she spent most of her time at the temple alongside the former abbot.
The former abbot’s roots are in southern Thailand. Whenever there are major merit-making events or amulet consecrations, relatives come from the South. For example, the Jatukam Ramathep amulet, originating from the South, was studied by the former abbot before performing consecration ceremonies.
Although he has been arrested, I still have faith in the temple because it is ancient and historically important. However, I hope police will investigate other prominent temples in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, as similar cases could arise elsewhere.
Mr. Sompong Jiarawongsakul, a tourist from Chonburi Province, said he came today to visit the temple, planning this trip for several days. Although the temple is now in the news, he sees it as a personal issue unrelated to the temple, which has long been associated with Buddhism. The former abbot’s case should be left to the legal process.
Mr. Nares Buanat, 75, from Bang Pa Han District, said he traveled from Bang Pa Han after seeing the news. He feels saddened since he venerates the temple and has brought others there. He found it hard to believe this could happen, but it did.
He urged locals and the public to help by being vigilant. If they see women following monks or staying at temples, they should observe carefully.
He planned to share this issue as a lesson with smaller temples near his home, though those temples likely lack such problems. Usually, these issues arise from jealousy when outsiders work in temples, which some cannot tolerate.
He wants society to distinguish between temple matters, sacred Buddha images, and individuals. Just because a temple has issues with a monk doesn’t mean people should stop visiting. The distinction is necessary to support Buddhism and move past such incidents without generalizing.
Mr. Suthat Khwamkhunyu, 59, from Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani Province, visits regularly and always stops here when in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya because the temple is peaceful. He hopes government agencies and relevant bodies will intervene regarding women in the temple, similar to how multiple agencies cooperate to manage such matters.
Since monks live long, desires can arise. When money and gold are involved, people tend to overlook morality. Some who previously had nothing improve their lives after entering the temple and thus ignore wrongdoing, harming Buddhism’s image.