Profile of Luang Por Atichote, Abbot of Famous Temple and Originator of the Above Fate Amulet - Thairath English

Profile of Phra Wachirayan Wi., known as Luang Por Atichote Thammavaro, abbot of a famous temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, originator of the "Above Fate" amulet, after involvement in embezzling tens of millions baht annually from temple funds.

In the case of the Crime Suppression Division raiding and arresting Phra Wachirayan Wi. also known as Luang Por Atichote Thammavaro, aged 66, abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, under warrant No. 29/2569 dated 8 Sep 2026 issued by the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct.

He is charged with "being an official embezzling property, misconduct or neglect of duty, acting improperly as a state official, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering" after evidence showed he misappropriated temple funds for personal use, then transferred them to a close female lay follower to convert assets, causing damages over 92 million baht. He was arrested at the temple's monk's quarters as previously reported.

Phra Wachirayan Wi., or Luang Por Atichote Thammavaro, was born Friday, 21 November 1959, the Year of the Pig. He was ordained on 22 January 1997 at Wat Phutthaisawan, with Phra Kru Phattharakhikoson, abbot of Wat Sanam Chai, as preceptor; Phra Athikan Prasat Khemapunyo as sermon teacher; and Phra Athikan Boonchu Thammapunyo as anujanajarn.

During his 30 years in the monkhood, he advanced in administrative roles and ecclesiastical ranks.

He was also the creator of the famous "Above Fate" amulet.

In the amulet and sacred object community, Luang Por Chote, or Luang Por Atichote, was a highly renowned monk responsible for creating the "Above Fate" amulet, also known as the "Status Elevation" amulet, which commemorated Wat Phutthaisawan’s elevation to royal temple status. This amulet gained great popularity among disciples and collectors nationwide, believed to enhance the wearer’s fortune and social status.

However, this arrest and prosecution mark the end of the spiritual path of this famous monk from the ancient capital, causing widespread shock among Buddhists and his followers.