“Seven Buddhist Monks Arrested for Embezzlement of Millions in Thailand Temple Scandal”

In Thailand, seven Buddhist monks are in pre-trial detention on suspicion of embezzling money and goods worth more than 8 million euros. It concerns donations to a temple in the northeast of the Asian country. A driver and a sister of one of the monks are also detained.

During raids on Tuesday in Nakhon Ratchasima province, five monks and the driver were arrested. Jewels, amulets and money were found in homes. Part of the stolen goods was buried.

A few days before, a famous monk, Kom Kongkaew, his sister and a member of the temple board were arrested. They would have diverted more than 5 million euros from the temple’s bank account. Part of it was found in the sister’s bank account and part was found in cash in her home.

Kom is said to have advised the monks to buy jewels from the stolen money. A court dealing with corruption cases says the allegations “seriously undermine Buddhism”.

Some Buddhist temples in Thailand are very rich. Many of their followers donate large amounts of money to increase their status within the religion.