Buddhist monk arrested for illegal gambling scam
A Buddhist monk in Thailand has been arrested after allegations that he stole more than US$9 million from donations at a temple he ran.
One of Thailand’s law enforcement organizations, the Central Investigation Bureau, alleged that Abbot Phra Thammachiranuwat of the Wat Rai Khing temple stole more than THB300 million from the temple’s funds and siphoned it into his personal account.
According to investigators, the money was traced from the temple, which is on the outskirts of Bangkok, to an illicit online gambling network. The network organized and ran baccarat card games.
Buddhist temples in Thailand are heavily dependent on donations from worshippers, who give money in the hope of gaining good luck and a more favorable reincarnation. Wat Rai Khing, founded in 1851, is notable for housing a replica of the Buddha’s footprint.
Thai police have charged the monk with corruption. They have also made a second arrest and are investigating whether others were involved in the alleged scam. Local media reports suggest that Phra Thammachiranuwat also has left the monkhood.
Gambling in Thailand is strictly regulated, and the only permitted gambling activities are the lottery and wagering on horse racing.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
