Key points:
- Wat Rai Khing abbot accused of siphoning temple funds into gambling networks
- Police allege THB500m in transactions linked to online betting platforms
- Arrest warrant issued as suspect turns himself in for questioning
A senior Buddhist monk has been accused of embezzling temple funds totalling THB300m ($8.2m) to fund gambling-related activities, according to a report by the Bangkok Post. The 70-year-old abbot of Wat Rai Khing in Nakhon Pathom, Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat, turned himself in to police on Thursday morning, just before investigators were due to seek a warrant for his arrest.
The abbot, who also holds the position of ecclesiastical governor for the region, is suspected of transferring temple funds into his personal account over a period of five years. Investigators from the Crime Suppression Division allege that these funds were subsequently funnelled into the account of a woman believed to be affiliated with online gambling websites.
The case surfaced following a formal complaint and an eight-month covert investigation by police. Detectives reportedly uncovered financial transactions involving a further THB500m between the abbot’s personal account and gambling platforms. With temple funds significantly depleted, the abbot is said to have borrowed large sums from senior monks at other temples to cover shortfalls.
At noon on Thursday, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases approved an arrest warrant for the abbot on charges of embezzlement and malfeasance in his capacity as a state-appointed religious official.
Police also arrested 28-year-old Aranyawan Wangthapan in connection with the case. She had previously been detained in 2023 for her suspected involvement with the Lagalaxy911 gambling website and was later released on bail.
