A major temple scandal has emerged in Ayutthaya, Thailand, after police arrested a senior Buddhist abbot over allegations involving the misuse of temple funds reportedly worth as much as 100 million baht.
The investigation took an unexpected turn when officers reportedly discovered CCTV footage from the abbot’s residence showing him with a woman in circumstances authorities described as inappropriate for a Buddhist monk.
The abbot, identified as Phra Vajirayan, widely known as Luang Por Chot, 66, was arrested on September 10, 2026, alongside a 47-year-old woman identified as Punyavee Rungrueang, who was reportedly working as his assistant.
The investigation centers on Wat Phutthaisawan, a historic royal temple located in Muang district, Ayutthaya.
Ayutthaya Abbot Arrested in Temple Fund Investigation
According to reports cited from the Bangkok Post, Thai authorities launched an investigation after receiving complaints concerning possible financial irregularities involving money donated to Wat Phutthaisawan.
Investigators reportedly suspect that funds associated with donations and religious activities may have been diverted away from the temple’s official financial system.
The amount allegedly involved could reach 100 million baht, making the investigation one of the more significant temple-related financial cases reported in Thailand.
Authorities have not yet announced a final determination regarding the exact amount allegedly misappropriated, and the investigation remains ongoing.
CCTV Footage Discovered Inside Abbot’s Residence
The financial allegations were not the only discovery attracting public attention.
Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau reportedly raided Phra Vajirayan’s residence at around 6 a.m. following a complaint.
During the search, investigators allegedly found surveillance recordings from cameras installed inside the abbot’s private quarters.
According to statements attributed to Central Investigation Bureau Commissioner Natthasak Chaowanasai, the footage reportedly showed Phra Vajirayan with a woman in conduct authorities considered inappropriate for a monk.
Investigators also reportedly said some of the activity took place on a table normally used for eating.
The CCTV recordings have reportedly been collected as part of the evidence being examined by investigators.
The discovery has drawn significant attention because Buddhist monks in Thailand are expected to follow strict monastic rules, including rules concerning physical and intimate relationships.
Alleged Financial Misconduct May Have Continued for More Than Two Years
Despite the attention generated by the CCTV footage, the original investigation reportedly focused primarily on suspected financial misconduct.
Police allege that Phra Vajirayan may have issued more than 20 unauthorized donation receipts using the temple’s name over a period exceeding two years.
Investigators suspect that not all of the money collected through these transactions was deposited into Wat Phutthaisawan’s official accounts.
Authorities are now examining financial records to determine where the money ultimately went.
Buddhist Amulet Sales Also Under Investigation
Another element under investigation involves the sale of religious objects, particularly Buddhist amulets.
Such amulets are highly popular in Thailand and can generate substantial amounts of money, particularly when associated with well-known temples or respected monks.
Investigators reportedly suspect that some proceeds from the sale of religious items may have been redirected through other financial structures or deposited into private accounts instead of being transferred directly to the temple.
Police are therefore examining bank transactions, donation records and other financial documents linked to the case.
Woman Identified as Abbot’s Assistant Also Arrested
Authorities also arrested Punyavee Rungrueang, 47, who has been described in reports as an assistant to the abbot.
Investigators are examining her possible role in the suspected financial arrangements.
Her exact alleged involvement and the charges she may face will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
As with the abbot, the allegations against her have not been established by a final court judgment.
Wat Phutthaisawan Is One of Ayutthaya’s Historic Temples
The case is particularly sensitive because Wat Phutthaisawan is a historically important Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya.
Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, is internationally known for its ancient temples, monasteries and archaeological sites.
The city remains one of Thailand’s most important cultural and religious destinations.
Any allegation involving financial misconduct at a prominent religious institution can therefore have consequences extending beyond the individuals involved, potentially affecting public confidence in temple management and donation systems.
Thailand Has Increased Scrutiny of Temple Finances
Financial management within Buddhist temples has become an increasingly sensitive issue in Thailand, particularly when large donations, valuable religious objects or significant assets are involved.
Temples may receive money from individual donations, religious ceremonies, fundraising activities and the sale or distribution of religious objects.
Cases involving alleged financial irregularities have periodically prompted calls for greater transparency and stronger oversight of temple finances.
The Wat Phutthaisawan investigation could therefore renew discussions about how donations and religious revenues should be monitored.
Investigation Continues
Thai investigators are expected to continue examining financial documents, bank accounts, donation receipts and electronic evidence connected to the case.
The CCTV recordings discovered during the search are also expected to form part of the broader investigation.
Authorities will need to determine how much money, if any, was improperly diverted, who may have benefited from the transactions and whether additional individuals were involved.
For now, Phra Vajirayan and Punyavee Rungrueang remain subjects of an investigation, and the allegations should not be treated as proven unless confirmed through the judicial process.
The case has nevertheless attracted considerable attention because it combines allegations of large-scale financial misconduct, temple donations, Buddhist amulet sales and conduct allegedly inconsistent with monastic rules.
Further developments are expected as Thai authorities continue their investigation.
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