Buddhist Monk Accused of Temple Heist | Global News

A Buddhist monk once revered as head of a historic Ayutthaya temple is now facing scandal after allegedly embezzling over 100 million baht—roughly $3 million—in temple donations across 20 incidents in two years. Police raided his home, seizing cash and gold bars, and uncovered video footage of him with a woman, Punyavee Rungrueang, 47, who’s also been arrested for allegedly helping funnel stolen funds through her accounts. The Prime Minister reportedly owns one of his sacred coin amulets, adding political weight to the case. This isn’t the first time Thailand’s monastic community has faced corruption allegations—last year, nine monks were implicated in a blackmail scheme involving nearly $12 million. Investigators, tipped off anonymously in July, suspect more accomplices may be involved, turning this into a brewing exposé of spiritual betrayal.

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