The Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau revealed the arrest of “Thid Choti,” former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, after complaints about his behavior. It was found that he did not remit proceeds from amulet sales to the temple, with preliminary damages estimated at about 100 million baht.
According to the case, officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CIB) detained Phra Wachirayan Wi or Luang Por Atichoti, former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal temple in Samphalom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. He was found to have embezzled temple funds for personal use and handed them to a close lay associate to convert, causing damages exceeding 92 million baht. The arrest took place at the temple's monk residence earlier this morning while he was preparing for morning meals.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattakrit Chaowanachai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, explained on the program “Open Up with Phakphum” the background of this case. Around July, police received complaints from a group regarding the abbot's conduct, including allegations of sexual misconduct and suspicions of misappropriating temple assets. Investigation began, with the group providing video clips of the abbot's sexual misconduct. The police collected evidence leading to arrest warrants for Thid Choti and Ms. Punyavee, followed by search warrants and the arrest of both suspects.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattakrit added that authorities are currently searching key locations to seize assets and items as part of the case. While the sexual misconduct concerns relate to monastic discipline and police will not pursue that extensively, they are actively investigating fraudulent actions involving temple assets. Initial findings show damages of about 100 million baht. Today, they expect to seize additional assets such as gold and cash.
When asked about the method of embezzlement, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattakrit stated that most of the money, originating from amulet sales, was not directly deposited into the temple. Details are in the investigation files. Whether more accomplices are involved will be examined further; other individuals may be implicated. A press conference is scheduled for tomorrow (11 Sept) at 11:00 a.m. at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattakrit emphasized that the individual's behavior does not reflect the teachings of Buddhism, the temple itself, or traditional beliefs and customs. This temple is centuries old. The misconduct by Thid Choti likely occurred during his tenure as abbot, and the investigation will continue to expand accordingly.