The Provincial Sangha Chief of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya signed the appointment of Phra Phiphat Sasanakitwithan, abbot of Wat Tha Karong and deputy Provincial Sangha Chief of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, as the acting abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan.
In the case of the Crime Suppression Division arresting "Chao Khun Atichoti," the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal monastery and famous temple in old Ayutthaya, originator of the revered Jatukam coin "Nuea Duang" edition, for embezzling over 100 million baht of temple donations. The money was transferred to a close female associate's account before being converted into gold and land for accumulation. Additionally, CCTV footage circulated on social media showing the abbot engaging in intimate acts with his close female associate at various spots in the monk's quarters, including the dining tables during breakfast and lunch, before authorities took Chao Khun Atichoti for defrocking, as previously reported.
Latest update: Yesterday (10 Sep 2026), the Provincial Sangha Chief of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya signed an order regarding the appointment of an acting abbot for the royal monastery. It stated that Phra Wachirayan (Apichot Thammavaro), abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Samphalom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, was defrocked on 10 Sep 2026 at the ordination hall of Wat Phutthaisawan, causing the abbot position to become vacant.
Under the authority of Clause 4, paragraph two of the 1993 Supreme Sangha Council Regulations No. 19 concerning the appointment of acting abbots, issued under the Sangha Act of 1962 and amended by the Sangha Act (No. 2) of 1992,
It was therefore decided to appointPhra Phiphat Sasanakitwithan(Prayoon), Dharma name Sutthipunyo, age 59, with 36 years ordained, academic qualifications of N.T.A. (advanced Buddhist studies) and honorary M.A., currently abbot of Wat Tha Karong and deputy Provincial Sangha Chief of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, to serve as acting abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, effective immediately.