A senior Buddhist monk in Thailand is facing serious allegations after police accused him of misusing $2.8 million meant for his monastery.
Phra Wachirayan Wi, 66, the abbot of the 14th-century Wat Phutthaisawan temple in Ayutthaya, was arrested on Thursday.
He was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement and money laundering.
A 47-year-old woman, allegedly involved in helping conceal the funds, was also detained.
But the case goes beyond money. Police say the monk was also involved in a sexual relationship with the woman.
This despite Buddhist monks being expected to remain celibate and renounce material possessions.
CCTV footage allegedly showing the pair together was widely circulated by Thai media.
Donation Money Probed
So how did investigators uncover the alleged wrongdoing?
Police began looking into the monk in July after receiving an anonymous tip about suspected misconduct and misuse of temple donations.
Lead investigator Pattanasak Bupphasuwan said officers traced two streams of money connected to donation receipts issued in the temple’s name.
The arrest adds to growing scrutiny of Thailand’s Buddhist clergy following another major scandal involving senior monks last year.
For a country where temples rely heavily on public donations, the case raises an uncomfortable question.
Who watches the money when faith is involved?
