Shocking CCTV footage of senior Buddhist monk Phra Vajirayan (also known as Phra Wachirayan Wi., Luang Pho Atichot or Luang Pho Chot) engaging in sexual activity has gone viral across Thai social media and news platforms, intensifying public outrage in an already high-profile scandal.
The 66-year-old former abbot of the historic royal temple Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya was arrested on September 10 on charges of embezzling more than 92 million baht (approximately US$2.8 million) in temple funds. He was detained alongside his alleged female associate, 47-year-old Punyavee Rungrueang (widely referred to as “Sika Ae”), who is accused of helping conceal and convert the money.
During the police raid on the monk’s quarters, investigators reviewed security camera recordings that reportedly showed the pair engaging in intimate acts inside the monastic residence — including on a round dining table also used for meals. Clips from the footage, some blurred by media outlets, quickly spread online. Thai media and social platforms widely circulated the material, with reports noting that the woman appeared in the same outfit across multiple instances, suggesting the encounters were not isolated.
According to police, the sex videos were initially provided by a group of the former abbot’s own followers who said they “could no longer tolerate his behaviour.” The National Office of Buddhism has since requested the destruction of the table featured in the videos, describing it as a “curse on Buddhism” and expressing concern that it could attract voyeuristic visitors to the temple rather than genuine devotees.
Phra Vajirayan, who held the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Ratchakhana and was known for creating popular amulets (including the “Nuea Duang” or “Above Fate” Jatukam series), was formally defrocked shortly after his arrest. He now faces charges including embezzlement by a public official, misconduct in office, and money laundering. Authorities have seized substantial assets, including large amounts of cash, gold, and land titles linked to the case.
The dual scandal of financial misconduct and the breach of monastic celibacy vows has drawn widespread condemnation in Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist country where such cases continue to erode public trust in the clergy. Police say the investigation is ongoing and may expand to additional individuals and assets.
The leaked footage has turned what began as a financial probe into a full-blown national controversy, with netizens and religious authorities calling for stricter oversight of temple finances and monastic conduct.
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