Following a highly publicized gambling and sex scandal, former senior Thai Buddhist monk Phra Thepwatcharasitthimethi, known by his lay name as Wirach, was convicted by Thailand’s Central Criminal Court to 12 years in prison.

He had diverted THB 3 million (over $90,000) intended for Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, a religious college, into his personal bank account. Monk Wirach's actions were uncovered during investigations into the scandal, leading to his conviction and sentencing.