July 2013, disputed monk involved in money laundering and other scandals.
Thailand's Khantitham Forest Monastery is currently experiencing challenging times as its abbot, Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, has been prohibited from transferring funds out of his bank accounts by Thailand's Anti Money Laundering Office (AMLO).
The 34 year old monk has attracted significant attention ever since a video of him flying in a private jet, donning aviator sunglasses and carrying a Louis Vuitton bag, went viral last month. A widely circulated photograph of him lying next to a seemingly nude woman further ignited outrage in Thailand, home to the world's largest Buddhist population, where monks are expected to maintain celibacy. The abbot has since been accused of fathering two children and engaging in relationships with at least eight women.
Following its investigation, AMLO has ordered the freezing of 16 bank accounts associated with the monk, with 10 of them under his name and linked to his associates. It was discovered that these accounts typically witnessed daily transactions of around 200 million Baht (£4 million). It is believed that the abbot and his associates possess a total of 41 bank accounts, primarily under his name.
Additionally, he is reportedly the owner of two houses and possesses 13 cars and motorbikes. Much of the cash in these accounts is believed to have originated from public donations made to his monastery in the northeastern province of Si Saket.
Thai monk disrobed after private jet trip.
They announced the seizure of assets valued at nearly $800,000 from a the former monk, who was disrobed following a controversial trip on a private jet. They suspects him of deceiving individuals to obtain donations for personal use rather than for the public's benefit. Police Colonel Seehanat Prayoonrat, the secretary, emphasized that monks are expected to receive donations and utilize them for the welfare of the public, rather than for their own personal comforts.
Wiraphon had claimed to be the reincarnation of a renowned miracle performing monk. He is believed to be currently abroad and is sought in Thailand on allegations of engaging in sexual relations with an underage girl approximately a decade ago while he was still a monk, as well as fathering a child with her.
Traveling in a private jet carrying luxury items, such as a Louis Vuitton bag.
Since then, he has been under investigation for various offenses, including tax evasion, drug possession, and money laundering. Several scandals involving Thai monks have come to light, with local media reporting instances of drug use, alcohol consumption, gambling, and involvement with several relationships.
Aug 2018, he sentenced to 114 years for fraudulent activities.
He was a former monastic chief of Wat Pa Khantitham monastery in Ubon Ratchathani province. He gained significant attention in 2013 when allegations of his extravagant lifestyle and financial misconduct surfaced.
He was accused of various crimes, including cheating the public, violating the computer act, and money laundering. These allegations were related to his misuse of funds and misappropriation of temple donations.
Nen Kham convinced his devoted disciples that the Buddha statue had to be constructed using authentic Italian emerald. He also asserted that a structure supported by 199 pillars, priced at 300,000 baht each, needed to be erected to cover the statue. Additionally, he claimed that more funds were necessary to create a gold cast of himself, build a temple in Suphan Buri, and purchase a ship from the United States for transporting relief supplies to flood victims.
At Wat Pa Khantitham monastery in Ubon Ratchathani, Nen Kham instructed his followers to donate money, gold, and other assets to him. Twenty nine individuals fell victim to his scam and collectively donated 28.6 million baht.
According to the lawsuit, he used 1.13 million baht from the donated amount to purchase a Toyota van but never fulfilled any of his promises. The court has sentenced him to a total of 114 years in prison. However, under Section 91(2) of the Criminal Procedures Code, the maximum jail term is limited to 20 years.
Furthermore, the court has ordered him to reimburse the money he acquired deceitfully from the 29 individuals. The case garnered significant media attention in 2013 when Nen Kham was photographed wearing Ray Ban sunglasses and carrying a Louis Vuitton bag filled with US dollars, earning him the nickname of a "jet set" monk.