BANGKOK: Police found cash and gold estimated at over THB100 million in a former Ayutthaya abbot’s quarters during a THB92 million (US$2.7mil) embezzlement probe.
Police searching the quarters of the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya have reportedly discovered cash and gold bars initially estimated to be worth more than THB100 million, with counting still unfinished late on Thursday (Sept 10).
The discovery followed the morning arrest of the 66-year-old former abbot, previously known as Phra Wachirayan Wi., or Luang Pho Atichot Dhammavaro, over allegations that he embezzled more than THB92 million in temple funds and transferred money to a woman close to him. Police also said they had obtained footage showing sexual activity inside his monastic residence.
Officers planned to take him to the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) for further questioning late that night before seeking a court order to remand him in custody on Friday morning (September 11).
At 3.15pm on Thursday, police brought Chettha Ninsukhum, the temple’s lay bursar, to CSD headquarters. He entered through a lift at the rear of the building, avoiding reporters waiting outside the front entrance.
At 7.40pm, after more than four hours of questioning, officers escorted Chettha from the interview room to a private car, and he left immediately. An officer accompanying him said procedures were continuing and asked reporters to wait for details at a press conference on Friday, allowing investigators to carry out their work.
By 10pm, the search of the former abbot’s quarters, which had been under way since the morning, had uncovered large quantities of concealed cash and gold bars. Their estimated value exceeded THB100 million, but the count had not been completed.
The former monk, also known as Luang Pho Chot, was arrested under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on September 8.
The charges include misappropriating property as a public official, wrongful or corrupt performance or omission of official duties, wrongful performance or omission of duties as a state official, conspiracy to launder money and jointly laundering money.
Police were expected to seek his remand on Friday and oppose bail, citing concerns that he could flee or interfere with evidence, given the substantial alleged losses.
In a separate search on Sept 10, CSD officers searched the home of Punyawee “Ae” Rungrueang, 47, at 88/15, Moo 1, Khlong Si subdistrict, Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani.
She was wanted under an anti-corruption court warrant on charges relating to embezzlement and money laundering.
Officers seized 35 gold amulets, gold bars and jewellery weighing a combined 90 baht-weight, valued at THB6,037,470, and THB3,592,300 in cash.
They also seized three mobile phones, an iPad, 10 land and account documents, two land title deeds, seven bank passbooks and a land-sale agreement.
Further items included 18 investment documents, one health insurance policy, six gold guarantee certificates, seven gold purchase and sale receipts, and four Government Savings Bank savings lottery certificates.
Police also searched a second property at 88/17, Moo 1, in the same subdistrict, but found no items requiring seizure. - The Nation/ANN
