A Thai court has sentenced the former abbot of Wat Rai Khing to 50 years in prison after finding him guilty in a large-scale embezzlement case involving more than THB2bn in temple funds, as reported by The Nation.
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases delivered its verdict on April 21, convicting Phra Dhammawachiranuwat, widely known as “Tid Yaem,” on 19 counts including malfeasance and misappropriation of state assets for personal gain. Under Thai law, his combined sentence was capped at 50 years. He was also ordered to repay THB28m.
Prosecutors said that between 2021 and 2024, at least THB300m was misused, while total losses over several years exceeded THB2bn. Financial investigations showed substantial transfers to close associates, with significant sums channeled into online gambling platforms, particularly baccarat.
Authorities traced more than THB63m to Aranyawan, identified as an online gambling broker, over THB113m to former monk Maha Ekaphot and another THB63m to Chatchai. All three received eight-year prison terms for facilitating the transactions. Another associate was acquitted.
Investigators said diverted funds were also used to acquire luxury homes, land, condominiums and valuables. The Anti-Money Laundering Office has since seized assets exceeding THB400m, including land, vehicles and jewelry, as part of recovery efforts.
Authorities have seized assets worth over THB400m in efforts to recover funds for the temple
