Introducing the background of Phra Wachirayan Wi., also known as Luang Pho Atichoti Thammavaro, abbot of a renowned temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province and originator of the “Above Destiny” amulet, following allegations of embezzling tens of millions of baht annually from the temple’s revolving funds.
Regarding the case of the Crime Suppression Division raiding and arresting Phra Wachirayan Wi. or Luang Pho Atichoti Thammavaro aged 66, abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal monastery in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, under an arrest warrant issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct in Office Region 1, number 29/2569, dated 8 September 2026 GMT+7.
The charges include “official embezzlement, misconduct or neglect of duty by a public official, improper performance or neglect by a state official, and conspiracy to launder money and money laundering.” He was found to have embezzled temple funds for personal use before handing them to a close layperson to convert the assets, causing damages exceeding 92 million baht. The arrest took place at the abbot’s residence at the temple, as previously reported.
Regarding the background of Phra Wachirayan Wi., or Luang Pho Atichoti Thammavaro, he was born on Friday, 21 November 1959, the Year of the Pig. He was ordained on 22 January 1997 at Wat Phutthaisawan, with Phra Kru Phattharakitkosol, abbot of Wat Sanam Chai, serving as preceptor, Phra Athikan Prasat Khemapunyo as sermon master, and Phra Athikan Boonchu Thammapunyo as record keeper.
Additionally, Luang Pho Atichoti Thammavaro is the creator of the “Above Destiny” amulet also known as the status-raising amulet, which is highly popular in the amulet community. It was created to commemorate the elevation of Wat Phutthaisawan to royal monastery status.