Phichit: The Anti-Corruption Commission conducted a raid at Wat Tha Luang in Phichit Province and discovered that the 2019 disbursement documents were missing. This raid was part of an ongoing investigation into the temple’s financial records following the disrobing of the former abbot, Phra Thep Wachirasithimethi.

According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Police, in collaboration with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission, inspected the assets of Wat Tha Luang. This action was prompted by the involvement of the former abbot with a female golfer, which led to his disrobing. During the raid, the treasurer guided the officers through the temple’s financial records, including 30 bank accounts and disbursement documents. However, only documents from 2016 were available, marking the transition from the previous abbot to Phra Thep Wachirawitthimethi. The vital 2019 disbursement records were notably absent, prompting further inquiries with temple officers.

Pol. Lt. Col. Thanayut Chuchalerm, deputy director of investigation, Division 6, Anti-Corruption Division, stated that the investigation also encompasses a case involving a female golfer. She allegedly deceived the former provincial abbot into providing 400,000 baht for medical treatment. This incident has been linked to Wat Tha Luang, necessitating a thorough investigation to determine if the crime was a personal deception or a fabricated story.