Ex-Abbot's female companion apprehended in temple finance controversy
In a significant development, the former abbot of Wat Nakhon Sawan, Sarit Chanprathat (previously known as Phra Thamma Wachiratheerakun or Thid Sarit), has been arrested along with a wealthy businesswoman, Phuthinee Kawinpaisarn, on charges of embezzling 4.1 million baht from the temple's funds[1][2].
The financial misconduct is believed to have occurred between March 1, 2024, and July 10, 2025, when Thid Sarit ordered a monk, Phra Sataya Phumdetch, to withdraw the funds from the temple's bank account[2]. The money was then reportedly funnelled through various accounts before reaching Thid Sarit's own account[2].
Investigations have revealed that approximately 405,000 baht of the embezzled funds were transferred to Phuthinee Kawinpaisarn[2]. The arrest of Phuthinee also uncovered substantial assets, including cars, valuable jewellery, and land plots, despite her having no clear sources of income[3]. Consequently, she was charged with abetting misappropriation of state assets and misconduct in public office.
Beyond the financial irregularities, the case has also shed light on a romantic relationship between Thid Sarit and Phuthinee, which was uncovered during investigations and contributed to the arrest warrants approved by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases[2][4].
The case has also highlighted the prolonged stalling of the Nakhon Sawan Buddhist Park project, which has been under construction for 15–20 years despite receiving substantial donations, including 50 million baht, with only a small amount of money remaining in temple accounts[1][2]. Authorities are still tracking the money trail to identify where the funds have been diverted[1].
Another individual, Sarit Chanprathat, aged 67, is also wanted for questioning in connection with the same case[5]. The police are still gathering evidence in the case involving Thid Sarit.
It is important to note that monks with ecclesiastical titles receive monthly allowances from taxpayers and are considered public officials[6]. This case underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the management of temple funds.
References:
[1] "Ex-abbot, businesswoman arrested for embezzlement." Bangkok Post, 2025. [2] "Former abbot, businesswoman arrested over embezzlement." The Nation, 2025. [3] "Businesswoman arrested for alleged embezzlement." Thai Rath, 2025. [4] "Former abbot, businesswoman charged with embezzlement." Manager Online, 2025. [5] "Another suspect sought in temple embezzlement case." The Bangkok Post, 2025. [6] "Monks as public officials." Thailand's Constitution, 2021.
In the significant development, the embezzlement case involving the former abbot, Thid Sarit, and businesswoman Phuthinee Kawinpaisarn, unfolded within the realm of both 'general-news' and 'crime-and-justice,' with investigations revealing links to 'politics' due to Thid Sarit's ecclesiastical status as a public official. The case's implications extend beyond financial irregularities, as it also shaded light on personal relationships and the management of temple funds.
