Bangkok: “Big Tao,” in a high-profile operation, raided three locations and arrested the former abbot of Phichit Province and the former abbot of Wat Yai Chom Prasat, following revelations of corruption and embezzlement of temple funds.
According to Thai News Agency, at 8:00 a.m. on August 7, Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Patkaew, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Central Investigation Bureau, along with other high-ranking officials, led “Operation Golf Team EP.1” in Surat Thani, Phichit, and Samut Songkhram provinces. The operation aimed to apprehend a former high-ranking monk and his associates involved in embezzling temple funds to support a female golfer.
The first raid targeted a meditation center in Surat Thani Province, home to Mr. Thiwakon Deeprai, also known as Phra Maha Thiwakon, the 59-year-old former abbot of Wat Yai Chom Prasat. Wanted for misappropriating assets and abusing his official position, Mr. Thiwakon was arrested at his residence.
The second raid focused on a residence in Samut Songkhr
am Province, where 38-year-old Santichai Phongsaisri was apprehended for aiding in the embezzlement of assets. Santichai, a close disciple of the former abbot, was taken into custody after officers presented the warrant.
The third key target was Phichit Province, where Mr. Wirat Watcharasitthimethi, also known as Phra Thep Watcharasitthimethi, was arrested. The former provincial abbot is accused of embezzling funds meant for temple development, with millions of baht suspected to have been misappropriated.
The investigation revealed that the monks had engaged in inappropriate relationships with a female golfer, Ms. Wilawan Emsawat, leading to public outrage. Despite disrobing, the monks are being investigated for criminal activities, including transferring temple funds to Ms. Golf.
Evidence showed that Maha Thiwakon embezzled funds by controlling temple finances, transferring significant sums to Ms. Golf, and misusing rental income from temple property. Similarly, Mr. Wirat allegedly mishandled a 3 million
baht donation intended for MCU Phichit.
The suspects are being held for questioning at the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Division (ACDM), with a press conference scheduled to provide further details on the arrests and ongoing investigations.