Scandal in Thailand: Abbot allegedly embezzled €8 million for gambling and a woman

A scandal has rocked the Thai religious community after the arrest of the abbot of a famous temple in central Thailand.

The abbot of Wat Rai Khing temple in Nakhon Pathom province is accused of embezzling 300 million baht (more than 8 million euros) intended to finance online baccarat gambling activities.

He also allegedly lent at least 40 million baht (1 million euros) to a close associate.

A months-long infiltration within the temple

Wat Rai King, in Nakhon Pathom province, from the Tha Chin River. Photo: Ahoerstemeier

Police Lieutenant General Jirapop Phuridet, commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), announced the results of the investigation on May 15.

He explained that agents infiltrated Wat Rai Khing for nearly seven months following reports that Phra Dhammavajiranuvatara, also known as "Chao Khun Yaem," had embezzled significant funds from the temple.

Investigators discovered evidence of money transfers from temple accounts to external personal accounts, totaling more than 100 million baht (2.69 million euros).

The financial trail revealed links to online gambling sites.

Arrest warrant and waiver of vows

The former abbot of Wat Rai Khing, who has been defrocked and wears white clothes, testifies before police in the 300 million baht embezzlement case at the temple, at the Crime Suppression Division office on May 15, 2025.

The authorities then obtained an arrest warrant against the priest for:

• Misappropriation of property as responsible for the purchase or safeguarding of property;
• Having converted these assets for personal purposes;
• Having failed or neglected official duties;
• Having exercised or neglected his duties dishonestly.

Under Thai law, temple abbots are considered civil servants.

After the court approved the arrest warrant on May 15, the priest surrendered to authorities and gave a statement.

In the evening, he voluntarily renounced his vows.

Investigators took him into custody to continue their interrogation overnight.

Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Bureau of Investigation, said the operation was originally scheduled for May 16, but the suspect surrendered earlier after learning of the investigation.

This has no bearing on the case, which is supported by scientific evidence.

Authorities will expand the investigation to all parties involved and coordinate with the Supreme Sangha Council (the highest Buddhist religious authority in Thailand) for further review.

Gambling broker arrested in Pattaya

Ms. Orawan, suspected of being an online gambling broker, was arrested at her apartment in Pattaya and taken for questioning to the Crime Suppression Division office in Bangkok on May 15, 2025.

Another suspect named in the arrest warrant, Ms. Aranyawan, was arrested in an apartment in Pattaya.

She confessed to supporting criminal activities and admitted knowing Phra Dhammavajiranuvatara from her school days at Wat Rai Khing.

After receiving the abbot's kindness, she asked him to lend her 40 million baht for investment purposes in 2021.

She then maintained regular contact via videoconference to seek his advice on various issues.

Compromising digital evidence

The investigation also brought to light more personal elements revealing the relationship between the former priest and Ms. Aranyawan.

Investigators found excerpts of conversations between Phra Dhammavajiranuvatara and Ms. Aranyawan discussing debt collection of 500,000 baht (13,469 euros) each on four occasions.

Additionally, investigators discovered videos of the woman bathing on the former priest's cell phone.

See also:

Online Baccarat: Thailand's Deadliest Card Game

Buddhist abbot allegedly raped 7-year-old girl in Thailand, police ignore case

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Source: Khaosod