Law
Former Abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan Detained Amid Financial Investigation
Police have taken the former abbot of Ayutthaya’s Wat Phutthaisawan into custody following a search of his living quarters regarding alleged financial misconduct.
On September 10, 2026, authorities from the Crime Suppression Division conducted a search of the living quarters of the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The former abbot, referred to as 'Thid Chot,' is currently a suspect in a case involving temple funds.
During the operation, which concluded with the suspect being transported to the Crime Suppression Division headquarters around 10:05 PM, police also encountered a close associate of the former abbot, identified as 'Mr. A.' This individual had been previously identified in CCTV footage currently under police review. When questioned by Khaosod Online reporters regarding a video clip involving a woman at the temple, Mr. A claimed the woman was a student at the temple and stated he had no prior knowledge of the alleged behavior depicted in the footage.
For residents and visitors, this investigation highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding the management of temple assets in Thailand. While the legal proceedings are in their early stages, the case has drawn significant public attention to the temple. It remains to be confirmed what specific evidence was recovered during the search and how the ongoing investigation will impact the temple's operations. The suspect has not provided any statements to the media at this time.
