Thai Police Arrest Monk Over Alleged 100 Million Baht Embezzlement

According to the BBC, Thai police have arrested a Buddhist monk on suspicion of embezzling 100 million baht ($3m; £2.2m) from his monastery, along with a suspected female accomplice. Police said Phra Wachirayan Wi, a former abbot at Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, allegedly took donations meant for the temple more than 20 times over two years and was defrocked after his arrest. Investigators said they found two streams of money tied to donation receipts issued in the temple's name, one for renovations and another for amulets and sacred objects, but said none of the funds reached the temple account. Police also said they recovered cash and gold bars worth more than 100 million baht from his residence and found CCTV footage of him having sex with a woman on a dining table. Authorities identified the woman as 47-year-old Punyavee Rungrueang, who has been arrested on charges of abetting a state official in illegal activities. Police said they are also examining whether two or three other people were involved.