Phra nakhon si ayutthaya: Authorities have arrested a man accused of deceiving an abbot into lending him money, leading to the monk's suicide. Mr. Sanya, also known as Mr. Lek or Pa Daeng, was apprehended following an investigation into the death of Phra Khru Worawat Khemakorn, a 68-year-old abbot who took his own life after being swindled. According to Thai News Agency, police at Sena Police Station arrested Mr. Sanya, 66, after securing a court-issued warrant for fraud. The arrest occurred as Mr. Sanya attempted to flee. Phra Khru Worawat Khemakorn, an abbot in Ban Krathum Subdistrict, Sena District, hanged himself on October 20, leaving behind a note detailing his interaction with a middle-aged man who deceived him into lending 650,000 baht to the temple's relatives. The man, identified as Mr. Sanya, promised to return with the money for a Kathin robe offering ceremony but vanished, causing the abbot significant stress. Pol. Col. Chotiwat Lueangwilai, Commander of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Poli ce, stated that Mr. Sanya convinced the abbot he would co-host the Kathin ceremony, assuring him that he would repay the borrowed funds and contribute to the ceremony. However, after receiving the money, Mr. Sanya became unreachable, leading the abbot to take his life. Following the abbot's death, investigators promptly collected evidence and secured a court warrant for Mr. Sanya's arrest. He was apprehended on route 321 in Song Phi Nong District, Suphan Buri Province, while wearing a blue helmet and riding a motorcycle. During police questioning, Mr. Sanya confessed to borrowing money but disputed the amount of 650,000 baht. He claimed to have repaid some of the funds and maintained contact with the monk. He explained his lack of communication was due to a broken phone. Mr. Sanya admitted to using the borrowed money to buy lottery tickets and acknowledged his intent to co-host the Kathin ceremony. He also confessed to similar fraudulent activities at other temples but could not recall specific details. Mr. Niwat Rungsakorn, Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, described the case as shocking and emphasized its significance to both the Interior Ministry and the Royal Thai Police. He commended local law enforcement for their swift action in capturing Mr. Sanya, who has a history of deceiving acquaintances to fund his gambling habits. Mr. Sanya was taken into custody for further questioning and to face fraud charges. Source: Thai News Agency
Menu