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Former abbot held on remand in ฿92m embezzlement scandal

Today 18:10Key points summarised by AI

Former abbot Atichot Thanprasert and his associate Punyavee Rungreung were arrested and held on remand for allegedly embezzling ฿92 million from Phutthaisawan Temple and money laundering.
Police raids uncovered vast wealth, including over ฿100 million in cash, substantial gold bullion, and ฿290 million in bank accounts linked to the former abbot and his associate.
The investigation revealed the temple's lucrative revenue stream from selling sacred amulets, with rare editions like the 'Nuer Duang' series fetching millions, highlighting a major source of unmonitored funds.
The scandal exposes critical systemic flaws in temple financial governance, including a lack of transparency, concentrated administrative power, and outdated donation tracking, prompting calls for urgent reforms.

Today 18:34Key points summarised by AI

An army corporal is being sought after a viral video showed him confronting a 10-year-old elephant, Plai Pupa, with a knife in Khao Yai National Park.
Fortunately, the elephant, known for its aggressive nature, calmly retreated, averting a potentially dangerous encounter.
Park chief Chaiya Huayhongtong has ordered an investigation and legal action against the corporal for multiple violations, including bringing a weapon into the park and unauthorized entry.
The corporal, reportedly stationed in Nakhon Ratchasima and with a history of mental illness, has been blacklisted from the park due to his dangerous behavior.