Abbot of Famous Thai Temple Arrested for Embezzling $8.4M for iGaming
The accused is 69-year-old Phra Dharma Wachiranuwat, abbot of the renowned Wat Rai Khing temple, who used the temple’s budget for online gambling.
Monk’s Journey: From Virtue to Scandal
Phra Dharma Wachiranuwat was ordained as a novice monk at the age of 12 at Wat Rai Khing temple in Nakhon Pathom province.
He became a fully ordained monk at 21, was appointed abbot in 2008, and in 2024 became the administrator of Buddhist District No.14. In 2023, he also temporarily headed Wat Rang Sai temple.
Monks who enter the spiritual path at a young age are believed to possess exceptional moral integrity. Nevertheless, he became the center of a major scandal involving the theft of 300 million baht (approximately $8.4 million).
Financial Schemes and Gambling Addiction
After an eight-month investigation, police concluded that the abbot suffered from an online gambling addiction and transferred money from his personal account to gambling platforms.
According to the investigation:
- Transactions totaling $14 million were discovered between Phra’s personal accounts and his gambling accounts.
- When the temple funds ran out, he began borrowing money from senior monks at other temples.
- He was assisted by 28-year-old broker Aranyawan Wangthapan, previously implicated for involvement with operator Lagalaxy911.
Wat Rai Khing: A Spiritual Landmark of Thailand
Wat Rai Khing, also known as Wat Mongkol Chindaram Rai Khing, is one of the most famous and revered Buddhist temples in Thailand.
It is located in Sam Phran District, just 32 km from Bangkok, on the banks of the Tha Chin River (locally known as Nakhon Chai Si).
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Foundation Date | Around 1851 (some sources say 1791 as a lay monastery) |
| Name Origin | Derived from a “ginger farm” once operated by Chinese settlers |
| Sacred Relic | Statue of Luang Por Wat Rai Khing, found in the river and brought to the temple |
Today, the temple remains a popular pilgrimage site where Thais come to perform good deeds and pay respects.
From Spiritual Leader to Defendant
Thanks to his reputation, Phra Dharma Wachiranuwat was elected chairman of the national committee for enforcing the Five Buddhist Precepts, including the prohibition against stealing.
Now, the very man once seen as a moral symbol stands accused of violating the same principles he once championed.
Many Buddhists see the incident as a personal betrayal and a blow to the credibility of the monastic community.