Bangkok: The Thai police have arrested a Buddhist monk on the allegations that he embezzled more than $ 9 million from the major temple that was funded by donations from devotees.Investigators of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) accused the Abbot Fara Thhamachiranuat from Watt Rai Khinging, which is more than 300 million BAHT ($ 9.05 million) from the temple bank account.Local media stated that investigators discovered funds to run a bicart card game for an illegal online gambling network from the temple in the western outskirts of Bangkok.Buddhist-Bahumat in Thailand temple “merit-making” rely more on income from ceremonies, where worshipers donate good luck and better rebirth.Police accused Phra Thammachiranuwat with corruption and malfunction, CIB Deputy Commissioner Jaroonkiat Pankaew told reporters at a press conference on Thursday.“This (arrest) is to help purify our religion,” said Jaronciat.Officials have arrested another suspect and are investigating whether others were involved, while local media reported that Mathadhish has now left the monk.Wat Rai King is believed to be established in 1851, a replica of the footprint of Buddha.The arrest from one of the most prominent temples in Bangkok suburb has triggered the important backlash on social media.A user posted on the social media platform x posted, “Next time I will donate a hospital or school for good reasons, not in the temple.”Others warned their fellow Buddhists to remain firm in their faith.“Not all monks are bad. Do not generalize,” another X user wrote.
