• An official at a popular Buddhist temple in Thailand recently turned himself in
• A law enforcement investigation alleges the abbot, who is 70 years old, stole 300 million baht over a period of five years
• The abbot is facing charges, while a second suspect was also recently detained

An elderly abbot at a century-old Buddhist temple in Thailand turned himself in late last week.

The regional Buddhist official is accused of embezzling millions of baht from the temple and is suspected of using the money for gambling.

Law enforcement investigated the Buddhist official for eight months

As announced by the Bangkok Post, the abbot of Wat Rai Khing in Nakhon Pathom province, Phra Thamma Wachiranuwat, turned himself in on Thursday last week.

The 70-year-old abbot appeared at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) early in the morning.

His surrender comes after law enforcement secured a warrant for his arrest.

Citing a police source, the media outlet's recent report suggests that the warrant for the abbot's arrest follows an investigation into the embezzlement of money from the temple.

Reportedly, police investigated the 70-year-old abbot for eight months.

During that time, law enforcement deployed undercover police officers.

The extensive probe uncovered that the abbot, who sat on the temple's board, had transferred money from the temple's bank account into his personal bank account.

Subsequently, the abbot allegedly transferred the embezzled funds to the account of a woman.

Police identified and arrested a 28-year-old woman, who is suspected of being involved in the unlawful activities.

Reportedly, the same young woman was arrested back in 2024 in connection with a gambling website.

The abbot is suspected of embezzling $9m over five years

Per the law enforcement's investigation, the abbot is suspected of embezzling some 300 million baht, or a sum north of $9m.

The alleged unlawful activity has been ongoing for at least five years, police suspect.

Allegedly, the 70-year-old Buddhist official used the money for online gambling and received help with the bank transfers from the 28-year-old woman.

The same woman is suspected of ties to gambling websites.

It is unclear whether or not the 28-year-old woman is facing charges.

On the other hand, as a government-appointed regional Buddhist official, the elderly abbot is facing charges of malfeasance and embezzlement.

Allegedly, after the temple's bank account started to dry up, the abbot asked for money from officials at other temples.

It is yet to be confirmed whether or not he received any sums.

Also, it remains unknown what portion of the 300 million baht was gambled away.

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