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Running out of funds with which to play online baccarat is never pleasant. Still, this doesn’t excuse the actions of a prominent Thai abbot arrested for embezzling $9 million and more from his temple and funneling much of it into an illegal online baccarat network.
Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat, 70, was the head of Wat Rai Khing, one of the country’s best-known temples, located in Nakhon Pathom province on Bangkok’s western outskirts. Authorities allege that over several years, millions of baht were siphoned from the temple’s bank accounts into an account he controlled, before being transferred to a gambling network offering high-stakes baccarat.
The monk, also known by his lay name Yaem Inkrungkao, turned himself in last May after he learnt of his impending arrest. He has been charged with corruption and malfeasance. Royal Thai Police Deputy Commissioner Jaroonkiat Pankaew told reporters the move was part of wider efforts to “help purify our religion”. Local media reported that Wachiranuwat has been disrobed, a step which is commonly taken when monks are accused of serious criminal offences.
Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories A Lengthy Undercover Operation
The arrest came after a lengthy undercover investigation. Thai Royal Police Captain Nitithorn Prachankanchana posed as a monk attendant to embed himself in the temple for 200 days. During this time, he performed tasks such as sweeping the grounds and maintaining the temple buildings while secretly gathering evidence.
Investigators have since identified 49 bank accounts linked to the temple’s finances and say they expect to issue at least five additional arrest warrants. Police have also detained 28-year-old Aranyawan Wangthapan, who is alleged to have acted as a gambling broker for Wachiranuwat. She is believed to have connections to three companies accused of laundering funds through the gambling site.
Authorities claim a significant portion of the stolen money was directed to an illegal online baccarat platform. While police have not disclosed the site’s name, they say it formed part of a wider underground gambling network already under investigation.
Baccarat is known in Thailand’s illegal gambling scene as the preferred game for high rollers. The format allows for rapid betting rounds and large sums to change hands quickly, which makes it attractive to those looking to move or conceal substantial amounts of money. Law enforcement agencies have previously identified baccarat operations as central hubs for money laundering, often involving complex webs of accounts and intermediaries.
Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories Reputational Damage to the Temple
Wat Rai Khing is considered to be one of the most prominent temples in the region. It attracts large numbers of visitors who come to pay respects to a revered Buddha image and view what is believed to be a replica of the Buddha’s footprint.
Like many temples in Thailand, it relies heavily on donations generated through “merit-making” ceremonies. Worshippers give offerings in the hope of gaining good fortune or improving their prospects for reincarnation. Police suggest that the temple’s prominence and the steady flow of donation income made it a particularly lucrative target for financial exploitation.
The case has added to the ongoing public debate about the financial oversight of religious institutions in Thailand. Although temples handle huge amounts of money, oversight mechanisms are often limited, and high-ranking monks can have broad control over funds.
Authorities have not disclosed how long the alleged Thai Buddhist $9M embezzlement occurred, but the investigation into both the temple’s finances and associated gambling activities is continuing. Police say the size of the sums involved and the use of an established baccarat network point to a sophisticated operation involving multiple actors.
Wachiranuwat and Wangthapan remain in custody while further charges are being considered. If convicted, they face lengthy prison sentences. The police have said that more arrests are expected as they look for individuals linked to the temple’s accounts and the online gambling ring.
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