Thai monk arrested over $9 million temple embezzlement

By AFP
May 17, 2025
Buddhist monks arrive to receive offerings from devotees near a giant Buddha statue during an event to mark Makha Bucha Day in the southern Thai town of Narathiwat. — AFP/File
Buddhist monks arrive to receive offerings from devotees near a giant Buddha statue during an event to mark Makha Bucha Day in the southern Thai town of Narathiwat. — AFP/File 

BANGKOK: Thai police have arrested a Buddhist monk over allegations he embezzled more than $9 million from the prominent temple he ran which was funded by donations from devotees.

Investigators from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) accuse Abbot Phra Thammachiranuwat from Wat Rai Khing of siphoning more than 300 million baht ($9.05 million) from the temple´s bank account into his own.