Monk Accused of Very Non-Monk-Like Behavior

A senior monk once famed for his lucky amulets is now at the center of a Thai scandal involving sex, gold, and about $3 million in allegedly embezzled funds. Police say 66-year-old Phra Wachirayan Wi, the longtime abbot of historic Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, repeatedly siphoned off temple donations, reports the BBC. He was defrocked after his arrest on charges of embezzlement and money laundering and has not publicly responded, per the Guardian.

Investigators say they found cash and gold bars in his residence and seized additional gold from a woman identified as 47-year-old Punyavee Rungrueang, accused of helping manage the funds. CCTV allegedly shows the monk having sex with Rungrueang, a violation of monastic vows of celibacy, deepening concerns over misconduct in Thailand's Buddhist establishment. The defrocked abbot had previously been famous for making amulets, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul among those who have worn them.