A CCTV clip circulating widely on social media shows Luang Por Atichoti, the abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple, a royal monastery, engaging in adultery with a female attendant, even on the dining table. Attention is on the abbot's upcoming defrocking ceremony, while locals express disappointment over the incident that occurred.
On 10 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported on the latest development in the case where police from the Crime Suppression Division (CIB) took custody of Phra Wachirayan Wi., also known as Luang Por Atichoti, the abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple, a royal monastery in Samphalom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Authorities are currently investigating.
Initial reports indicate that Phra Wachirayan Wi. provided information regarding the adultery allegations. Authorities are gathering evidence and verifying facts further. This afternoon, white robes were prepared for the defrocking ceremony before authorities return him to the Crime Suppression Division for questioning and extending investigations related to financial transactions amounting to approximately 92 million baht, including examining related documents and evidence.
Authorities are scheduled to hold a press conference to update the case's progress tomorrow, 11 September 2026 GMT+7.
Authorities arrested Phra Wachirayan Wi., the originator of the 'Nuea Duang' amulet of Phra Jatukam, under arrest warrant number 29/2569 issued on 8 Sep 2026 GMT+7 by the Regional Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Court, Region 1, on charges including "official embezzlement, misconduct or neglect of duty, and conspiracy to launder money."
The female attendant, Ms. Punyavee, was also arrested under arrest warrant number 30/2569 issued on 8 Sep 2026 GMT+7 by the same court, charged with "aiding official embezzlement, aiding official misconduct or neglect of duty, and conspiracy to launder money."
Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside Phutthaisawan Temple remains normal with visitors coming to pay respects as usual. Some were unaware of the incident until they arrived to find many police officers present and the entrance to the ordination hall cordoned off, preventing visitors from entering to pay respects as authorities conduct their duties and collect evidence. This caused some visitors to be puzzled before learning of the incident later.
When asked, visitors expressed feelings of sadness and disappointment about the incident, as they regularly come to pay respects and hold Phutthaisawan Temple in high regard. They did not expect such an incident to happen at this important temple known to the public. They stated that the matter should be separated from the religion and the temple as a whole and urged authorities to investigate the facts thoroughly following due process.
Reporters noted that social media circulated clips from CCTV allegedly showing the abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple engaged in adultery with a female attendant in a room resembling a kitchen used for food preparation. Behind them was a spirit altar table, and in the center was the dining table used by the abbot. The clips showed that the female attendant’s outfit indicated this was not an isolated incident, and in some clips, the dining table was used as the location for the act.