Thailand temple scandal: Wat Rai Khing monk caught in $8.4M online gambling embezzlement
A senior monk from one of Thailand’s most respected temples has been formally disrobed and faces criminal charges after police uncovered financial links between him and an online gambling network. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has confirmed that Phra Dhammawachiranuwat, the former abbot of Wat Rai Khing temple, allegedly embezzled 300 million baht from temple funds for online gambling.
On Thursday evening, the 70-year-old abbot, also known by his name Yaem Inkrungkao, turned himself in to Bangkok police. But just a few hours later, the Criminal Court approved a warrant for his arrest. The probe agency further said that the monk’s surrender did not change their decision, as they had already collected strong financial evidence against him.
According to CIB Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the investigation began in October 2024 after residents raised concerns. A financial audit showed unusual money transfers from the temple’s account to the abbot’s personal account, later linked to online baccarat gambling.
Search ops and seized evidence
On Friday morning, CIB Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew led officers to search four locations, including the former abbot’s residence within Wat Rai Khing, following which electronic devices, documents and financial records were seized to examine further banking connections and digital transactions related to gambling.
Government orders probe
Chousak Sirinil, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has ordered the establishment of a committee to investigate temple assets, which are typically held jointly by the abbot and the temple’s lay committee.
“When incidents like this occur, there must be a thorough investigation of the temple’s financial assets, including the financial activities of all close associates,” Chousak said.
He also stated that the National Office of Buddhism has been assigned to examine whether this case is linked to any other temples across the country. However, Chousak emphasised that in matters of religious discipline, the government has no authority to intervene directly. “The minister has no power over monastic discipline. We can only coordinate with the Sangha council, as the monastic order is governed by its own set of laws,” he explained.
Dismissed from all religious duties
The Supreme Patriarch of the Central Region issued an immediate order dismissing Phra Dhammawachiranuwat from all monastic and administrative roles. He had also served as governor of Ecclesiastical Region 14. Phra Racha Vajiramoli of Wat Rakhangkhositaram has been appointed acting governor in his place.
At around 8:42pm on Thursday, in the presence of media, the former abbot performed the formal act of laicisation before a Buddha statue, officially stepping down from the monkhood.
Gambling network ties and arrests
Authorities said the former abbot cooperated with investigators and admitted to transferring large sums of money in 2021 to a second suspect — a 28-year-old woman named Aranyawan Wangthapan, who is known to be an online gambling broker.
Wangthapan was arrested on Thursday in Pattaya and taken to Bangkok for questioning. She had previously been detained in 2024 for her alleged involvement with the Lagalaxy911 gambling website but was later released on bail. Police now accuse her of supporting embezzlement and laundering money through three companies that reportedly handled over 800 million baht within five months.
Investigators found that money was transferred from the temple’s accounts to the abbot’s personal account, and then to Wangthapan’s account. At least one of these transfers was allegedly carried out with the help of a fellow monk, who is now missing.
Police believe that around 31 million baht was sent directly to Wangthapan to be used for gambling. She had known the abbot since her time as a student at Wat Rai Khing School and stayed in regular contact with him after borrowing 40 million baht from him in 2021.
Investigation underway
The Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) confirmed the probe is still in the evidence-gathering phase. Secretary-General Phumwisan Kasemsuk noted that while investigators have enough information to justify arrests and searches, further details are being withheld to avoid affecting the case.
Police have ruled out bail for the former abbot, who is now under formal investigation for embezzlement and related offences. Authorities stressed that the case aims to protect the integrity of religious institutions and send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated — even within sacred spaces.
