Sex videos expose ex-abbot Atichot and mistress Ae as police follow a staggering ฿700 million-plus asset trail. The jailed pair now face a widening money probe centred on ฿92 million in suspected missing Wat Phutthaisawan funds.
Sex videos, a royal monastery scandal and more than ฿700 million in assets have gripped Thailand this weekend. Former abbot Atichot Thanprasert and his mistress, Punyawee “Ae” Rungrueang, remain jailed as police follow a vast money trail. CCTV exposed their secret relationship and turned an orange dining table into a national sensation. Yet the bigger story is financial. Investigators are tracing ฿498 million linked to Atichot and ฿215 million associated with Punyawee. They are also probing a suspected ฿92 million temple diversion involving donations and sacred-object revenues. Meanwhile, cash, gold, property and bank accounts are under scrutiny as police unravel the pair’s extraordinary pasts.
Former Ayutthaya abbot Atichot Thanprasert and his mistress, Punyawee “Ae” Rungrueang, remain behind bars this weekend. Yet their case continues to grip Thailand far beyond Saraburi Provincial Prison. Sex videos, a notorious orange table and hundreds of millions of baht have turned the affair into two parallel scandals.
Atichot, 66, rose from fortune teller and medium to the leadership of a prominent royal monastery. Punyawee, 47, followed a strikingly different path. She was once a university cheerleader and later worked as a community radio DJ. Subsequently, she became a businesswoman, single mother and long-standing temple supporter.
Eventually, their lives converged at Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya. Police say they had known each other since 2007. However, Atichot reportedly said their sexual relationship began only about two years ago. That relationship has now helped expose a far larger financial investigation.
Police trace more than ฿700 million as Atichot and Punyawee remain jailed without bail until September 23
Police have identified wealth associated with Atichot of about ฿498 million. Separately, reports based on police briefings put Punyawee’s financial picture at approximately ฿215.23 million. Combined, the assets under examination exceed ฿700 million.
Depending on the assets included, published calculations range from about ฿713 million to ฿720 million. Crucially, police have not classified that entire fortune as stolen money. The specific suspected temple loss currently stands at approximately ฿92 million.
Investigators are therefore separating legitimate personal assets from temple money. In parallel, they are tracing donations, sacred-object revenue, bank transfers, gold and property. The Anti-Money Laundering Office is also examining the movement and conversion of funds.
Both suspects face corruption-related and money laundering charges. Both have rejected the financial accusations. Nevertheless, the court refused bail after their arrests. Their first remand runs until September 23.
The court cited concerns about possible interference with evidence. As a result, both were transferred to Saraburi Provincial Prison. Police, meanwhile, are continuing to trace accounts, assets and people linked with the financial network.
Sex videos from Atichot’s private quarters spread online as repeated encounters emerge from temple CCTV
Outside prison, however, another part of the case has generated extraordinary attention. CCTV footage exposed the sexual relationship inside Atichot’s private quarters. Some clips have since spread rapidly across Thai social media.
The material reportedly shows encounters on different dates and in different areas of the quarters. Initially, police received two video recordings. One was dated April 5, 2026. The other was dated July 17.
Afterwards, considerably more footage appeared online. Some recordings show Atichot and Punyawee kissing and embracing. Other clips record them engaging in sexual activity. The material therefore points to repeated encounters rather than one isolated incident.
One sequence became particularly notorious. It begins with Atichot at a round orange dining table early in the morning. Punyawee later enters carrying several items. She approaches him and the pair begin kissing and embracing.
The CCTV then records them having sex on the table normally used for Atichot’s meals. Abruptly, somebody approaches the quarters. The pair stop and compose themselves before the approaching person arrives.
Elsewhere, footage reportedly shows the couple kissing and embracing in the kitchen. One sequence takes place close to a microwave. Notably, Punyawee appears in different clothing across the recordings. That detail indicates the footage came from separate occasions.
Sex videos breach monastic rules as police examine Atichot’s phone use and the notorious orange table
The videos consequently gave police strong evidence of an ongoing intimate relationship. They also presented a serious issue under Buddhist monastic discipline. Sexual intercourse constitutes a Pārājika offence for a monk.
It is among the gravest violations of the monastic code. Consequently, a monk committing the offence loses his right to remain in the monkhood. The footage therefore had consequences beyond public embarrassment.
Another detail in the recordings attracted police attention. Atichot can reportedly be seen holding or repeatedly checking his mobile telephone. Online speculation quickly followed. Investigators, however, offered a different possible explanation.
They believe Atichot may have been watching the temple’s CCTV system through his phone. Reports indicate between 48 and 60 security cameras covered the premises. Pol Lt Col Kritsada Phlailahan said one supplied camera angle matched a position outside Atichot’s quarters.
On that basis, investigators believe he may have monitored people approaching his rooms. That interpretation could explain why one encounter suddenly ended. Even so, police have not established publicly what appeared on the telephone screen.
The round orange table soon became an unlikely symbol of the entire scandal. Normally, Atichot used it for morning and midday meals. Once the footage circulated, the piece of furniture became a meme across social media.
Temple removes notorious orange table as complaints expose sex claims and questions over wealth
In response, the Wat Phutthaisawan temple committee asked Crime Suppression Division officers to remove it. Committee members reportedly considered the table inauspicious after what had occurred. They did not want it remaining inside the royal monastery.
Police therefore transported the table from Wat Phutthaisawan. It was temporarily taken to the Crime Suppression Division premises. Later, the National Office of Buddhism reportedly sought its destruction.
At the same time, the National Press Council appealed for restraint. It urged media organisations to avoid circulating the most explicit footage. By then, however, images and clips had already spread extensively online.
The videos were sensational. Yet the manner in which they reached police was equally significant. Atichot was not exposed by conventional police surveillance. Instead, information came from people close to the monk and the temple.
The Crime Suppression Division received an anonymous complaint in mid-July. Significantly, it raised two distinct suspicions. One concerned Atichot’s relationship with Punyawee. The other concerned the source of Punyawee’s growing wealth.
Former disciples alert police as a secret inquiry into Atichot’s relationship and temple finances deepens
At first, police treated the information cautiously. Kritsada, one of the investigators, had previously been Atichot’s disciple. He later said he initially found the accusations difficult to believe.
Atichot had appeared publicly as a composed senior monk. Accordingly, officers kept the investigation within a very small group. Reports suggest only five or six officers initially knew about the inquiry.
As part of the operation, Kritsada later observed Atichot and Punyawee together. He noticed what he considered unusual familiarity. In particular, their interaction appeared different from normal contact between a monk and a female devotee.
The investigation changed dramatically on August 25. Police received another anonymous complaint, apparently from the same source. This time, the complainant supplied a flash drive.
It contained photographs, videos and other information. Suddenly, investigators possessed material supporting suspicions about the relationship. More importantly, police said the evidence also pointed towards questionable temple finances.
The Central Investigation Bureau later said former disciples had supplied information. They reportedly became concerned about Atichot’s behaviour and secretly approached investigators. Thus, the monk’s downfall began within his own circle rather than through an outside surveillance operation.
Former monk describes Atichot’s influence as his past as a Bangkok medium and fortune teller emerges
Fresh testimony has since added detail about life around the former abbot. One former Wat Phutthaisawan monk said he had remained silent for more than a decade. He cited Atichot’s seniority, influence and strong following.
According to that former monk, challenging Atichot without firm evidence carried risks. Critics could face fierce attacks from followers, he said. Local residents have separately described access to Atichot as tightly controlled.
Ordinary villagers sometimes found it difficult to meet him, according to those accounts. Wealthy donors reportedly found access easier. By then, Atichot had spent decades building both ecclesiastical standing and a substantial following.
His story began far from the senior monastic rank he later achieved. Atichot was born on November 21, 1959. Reports have differed over his birthplace, although more detail has emerged about his adult life.
Kritsada said Atichot once worked as a medium and fortune teller. He reportedly operated a fortune-telling business from a condominium in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao area. Moreover, he had a family before entering the monkhood.
Around the age of 35 or 36, Atichot reportedly lived with his wife for about two years. During that period, he had already developed a strong interest in Buddhism. Eventually, he asked his wife for permission to enter the monkhood.
Atichot rises from temple novice to royal monastery abbot while building a following around sacred objects
Atichot then went to Wat Phutthaisawan. Initially, he lived at the temple dressed in white. He reportedly spent about one month there before ordination.
Luang Pu Hual was abbot at the time. Subsequently, he ordained Atichot as a monk. Atichot formally entered the monkhood at Wat Phutthaisawan on January 22, 1997.
His rise afterwards was steady. In 2016, he became an assistant abbot. Five years later, he became acting abbot. Then, in 2022, he became full abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan.
Two years later, Atichot received the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Wachirayan. Alongside that formal advancement, another reputation had developed. He became strongly associated with fortune-telling, sacred objects and supernatural beliefs.
In particular, Atichot became embedded in Thailand’s sai mu religious culture. He also developed close links with the Jatukam Ramathep amulet tradition. Older accounts connect him with Aphong Sakun-amorn, widely known as Ko Phong.
Ko Phong was a prominent medium associated with Jatukam Ramathep. Atichot reportedly received esoteric teachings linked with him. On another front, an old dispute surrounding those amulets has resurfaced since the arrest.
Old Jatukam dispute resurfaces as Atichot’s amulet fame contrasts with Punyawee’s cheerleader background
A widely shared older video features Pol Lt Gen Sanpetch Thammatikul discussing Jatukam Ramathep. Sanpetch was associated with the original tradition in Nakhon Si Thammarat. In the recording, he attacks later amulets presented as genuine Jatukam creations.
He specifically refers to material connected with Ko Phong and Atichot. The old recording has therefore gained new attention. It resurfaced as reporters reconstructed Atichot’s life before and during his monastic rise.
Atichot later built considerable recognition around his own sacred objects. He became particularly associated with “Nuea Duang”, or “Above Destiny”, amulets. Followers were told the objects could bring good fortune and improve the holder’s standing.
Sacred objects consequently became central to his public profile. They also now feature prominently in the criminal investigation. Police are examining money generated through sacred-object transactions and related donations.
Punyawee’s background provides a sharp contrast. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a prominent university. During her student years, she was selected as a university cheerleader.
Pictures from that period have resurfaced since her arrest. She was also reportedly a community radio DJ. After graduation, she married and later became a single mother.
Punyawee moves into ritual trade and temple commerce after years as a supporter close to Atichot
Subsequently, Punyawee entered business. She also became involved in Thailand’s ritual and supernatural economy. Reports describe her selling products used for worship, offerings and the fulfilment of vows.
Additionally, she dealt in products linked with sadao kroh rituals intended to ward off misfortune. Her activities therefore placed her within the same broad sai mu world surrounding Atichot.
Her connection with Wat Phutthaisawan dates to 2007. At first, she attended as a lay supporter. Over time, however, her involvement deepened.
Reports say she later became involved in commercial activities around the temple. Those activities included offerings and sales connected with fireworks and firecrackers. Police therefore believe Atichot and Punyawee knew each other for approximately 19 years.
Their sexual relationship apparently developed much later. Atichot reportedly told investigators it began roughly two years before the arrests. The pair therefore had a long association before becoming lovers.
Meanwhile, villagers have provided accounts of other women previously close to Atichot. One was identified only as K. She was described as being in her 40s and involved in cosmetics.
Villagers reportedly believed K. was Atichot’s former wife. She regularly attended religious ceremonies at Wat Phutthaisawan. Another woman, identified only as P., reportedly came from Buriram.
Villagers describe women close to Atichot as Punyawee’s business history and bankruptcy draw scrutiny
- was said to be in her 50s. Residents described her as attractive, well dressed and able to enter Atichot’s quarters easily. Later, villagers noticed both women visiting less frequently.
That change reportedly occurred after Punyawee became increasingly close to Atichot. These accounts remain local testimony. Still, they form part of the expanding picture surrounding his private life.
Punyawee’s financial background has become considerably more important to police. She held 60% of Thong Phan Chang Group (Thailand) Co Ltd. The company was incorporated in 2013 with registered capital of ฿1 million.
Its stated business involved rice seed and fertiliser. In 2014, it reported revenue of ฿3.69 million. The following year, revenue stood at ฿2.87 million.
After that, corporate figures cited in Thai reporting showed no comparable revenue. By 2020, reported assets stood at only ฿553,294. Ultimately, the company was dissolved in September 2025.
More strikingly, police say Punyawee was bankrupt from 2019 until 2022. Within several years, however, investigators say she had accumulated substantial assets. Police say no regular income identified so far explains the entire financial picture.
Police uncover Punyawee’s cash, gold and property records as her wider asset picture reaches ฿215 million
That discrepancy was one reason the original complainants approached the Crime Suppression Division. Once investigators followed the money, the scale of the case changed quickly.
A search of Punyawee’s home produced almost ฿3.9 million in cash. Officers also found about 90 baht-weight of gold. The gold was valued at approximately ฿6.15 million.
Beyond that, investigators seized two land title deeds and seven bank books. Officers also recovered a land purchase contract and records concerning gold transactions. Government Savings Bank lottery certificates were among the documents seized.
The physical haul represented only part of the inquiry. Police say Punyawee had acquired two townhouses worth more than ฿4 million. Investigators also identified a vehicle and bank deposits exceeding ฿5 million.
Some assets, police believe, were placed in her daughter’s name. More broadly, reports based on the police briefing put Punyawee’s associated assets at about ฿215.23 million.
The discoveries linked with Atichot were far larger. Investigators identified more than ฿290 million in bank deposits associated with him. Then officers searched his quarters.
Police find ฿138 million cash and gold in Atichot’s quarters as suspected temple losses reach ฿92 million
Inside, police found exactly ฿138,308,986 in cash. They also discovered more than 1,000 baht-weight of gold. The gold was valued at roughly ฿70 million.
Overall, reports based on the police briefing put Atichot’s identified wealth at approximately ฿498 million. Added to Punyawee’s financial picture, the combined total moves beyond ฿700 million.
Still, investigators have drawn an important distinction. They have not said the entire ฿700-million-plus fortune came from Wat Phutthaisawan. The currently identified suspected temple loss is around ฿92 million.
One portion concerns about ฿2.8 million from 22 sacred-object transactions. Another approximately ฿89 million was intended for temple maintenance and restoration. Police say neither stream reached the temple’s account.
Investigators are now tracing where those funds moved. A foundation established by Atichot in late 2025 has also come under examination.
Police contend the foundation lacked proper authorisation for some transactions now being investigated. Donations were reportedly paid into the foundation account. From there, investigators say money was transferred into Atichot’s personal account.
Temple receipts and foundation transfers come under scrutiny as investigators trace donations and assets
Yet receipts were reportedly issued in Wat Phutthaisawan’s name. That mechanism has become a central element of the financial inquiry. Police say sacred objects and temple donations form major parts of the money trail.
Some donations were intended specifically for maintenance and restoration. Investigators are therefore examining whether money was diverted before reaching temple accounts.
The Anti-Money Laundering Office is now tracing the wider asset network. Its work includes examining bank movements, gold, property and other holdings. Investigators must establish which assets were legitimately Atichot’s.
They must also identify any assets representing temple money. Likewise, they are examining whether funds were transferred or converted into other forms.
The videos provided the sensational public face of the case. The financial trail, however, has transformed in scale.
Investigators began with suspicions about an abbot and a female devotee. They then obtained recordings showing a secret sexual relationship inside his quarters. Soon afterwards, the inquiry moved into bank accounts worth hundreds of millions of baht.
Cash, gold and contrasting pasts emerge as police reconstruct Atichot and Punyawee’s road to the scandal
Police found piles of cash in Atichot’s quarters. They discovered more than 1,000 baht-weight of gold. At Punyawee’s home, officers found cash, gold, bank books and property documents.
At the same time, investigators began reconstructing two highly contrasting backgrounds. Atichot had once been a married medium and fortune teller in Bangkok. He later entered the monkhood and climbed steadily through Wat Phutthaisawan’s hierarchy.
Along the way, he built a major following around sacred objects and supernatural beliefs. Ultimately, he became abbot of the royal monastery. Wealth associated with him now totals about ฿498 million under the police calculations cited.
Punyawee began as a university student and cheerleader. Later, she worked as a radio DJ, married and became a single mother. She then entered business and the sai mu economy.
Afterwards, she became a long-standing supporter of Wat Phutthaisawan. She knew Atichot for nearly two decades. Eventually, she became his intimate partner.
Her financial history also became striking. She went through bankruptcy between 2019 and 2022. Yet the broader asset picture now associated with her is about ฿215 million. The relationship remained hidden until people around Atichot began supplying information to police. First came the anonymous July complaint. Next came the August 25 flash drive.
Sex footage and a ฿700 million financial trail leave Atichot and Punyawee behind bars as inquiry widens
From there, the investigation accelerated. Police obtained images and videos supporting claims about the affair. Simultaneously, they began following the financial questions raised by the complainants.
The sex footage made the case national news. The orange dining table became its most recognisable image. But the money trail quickly became far larger than either.
Atichot and Punyawee are now incarcerated in Saraburi Provincial Prison. Their first remand continues until September 23. Police, meanwhile, are tracing a financial network exceeding ฿700 million.
Former Ayutthaya abbot and his mistress sent to jail as court denies them bail as police probe finances
Ayutthaya abbot disrobes as top temple official is arrested by police who worked undercover for months
The specific suspected temple diversion currently stands at about ฿92 million. Beyond that, investigators must establish the origin and ownership of hundreds of millions more.
They must determine what legitimately belonged to Atichot and Punyawee. They must also identify what belonged to Wat Phutthaisawan.
The CCTV footage explains how their private relationship was exposed. The expanding financial trail explains why the case is now much bigger.
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