Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul Faces Social Media Scrutiny Over Amulet Linked to Monk in Fraud and Sex Scandal
Quick Look
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is under social media scrutiny after resurfaced photos showed him wearing a valuable 2006 Jatukam Ramathep gold amulet from Wat Phutthaisawan, now at the center of a fraud and sex scandal involving the temple's abbot, who was arrested for embezzlement and sexual misconduct with a lay follower.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The amulet is a rare 2006 Jatukam Ramathep gold edition from the Nuea Duang series, valued at around 3 million baht, produced by Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya province. Anutin displayed it publicly in October 2023 while serving as deputy prime minister and interior minister, praising it as an example of Thai soft power.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has come under intense social media scrutiny after photos resurfaced showing him wearing a high-value amulet created by a senior monk now at the centre of a fraud and sex scandal.
The photos were taken in October 2023 while Anutin – then serving as deputy prime minister and interior minister – was leading a group of Bhumjaithai Party MPs to watch the hit horror-comedy The Undertaker, local outlet ThaiRath reported. Anutin publicly displayed the Thai Buddhist amulet to reporters, praising it as an example of Thai “soft power”.
The amulet in question is a rare 2006 Jatukam Ramathep gold edition from the collectible Nuea Duang (Elevating Fate) series, valued at around 3 million baht (US$90,700). Produced by Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya province, the pendant is prized among disciples and collectors who believe it brings good fortune, wealth and elevated social status.
The item returned to national headlines after the arrest of the temple’s abbot early Thursday morning.
Phra Wachirayan Wi, also known as Luang Pho Atichot Dhammawaro, was arrested on allegations of embezzling over 92 million baht from the temple, according to The Nation. Authorities also detained Punyawee “Ae” Rungrueang, a 47-year-old lay follower believed to be the 66-year-old monk’s romantic partner.
CCTV footage from inside the abbot’s private quarters showed the pair engaging in sexual acts on a dining table inside the temple compound, Bangkok Post reported. A group of the monk’s followers had given the videos to the police, saying they “could no longer tolerate his behaviour”.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Authorities will expand the investigation to include other individuals associated with Wat Phutthaisawan and the amulet network.
Likely · Within weeks
Public demand for accountability will lead to increased scrutiny of politicians' associations with religious figures and valuable religious artifacts.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Did Anutin Charnvirakul know about the allegations against the abbot when he praised the amulet?
- Will there be an official investigation into Anutin's association with the amulet or the temple?
- What actions will authorities take against the lay follower involved in the scandal?
- How will this affect public trust in religious institutions and political figures in Thailand?
