Temple communications head fails to report to DSI

The head of Wat Phra Dhammakaya’s communications unit is now at risk of facing an arrest warrant after he failed to report to officials on two summons, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) says.

Phra Sanitwong Wutthiwangso is among 14 monks of the temple ordered to report to the authorities, based on an order invoked by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). He has so far failed to come forward.

DSI deputy director-general Songsak Raksaksakul said two summons had been issued against Phra Sanitwong, noting if he still fails to report to officials, a warrant for his arrest would have to be sought.

Pol Col Songsak was speaking after a meeting of the officials handling the operation to search Wat Phra Dhammakaya and arrest its former abbot Phra Dhammajayo, believed to be still hiding in the vast temple grounds.

Phra Dhammajayo, 72, is wanted for forest encroachment in connection with his meditation centres in several provinces, money laundering and receiving stolen assets in connection with the multi-billionbaht embezzlement at Klongchan Credit Union Co-operative.

DSI chief Paisit Wongmuang said officers have also pressed a charge of inciting unrest on Section 116 of the Criminal Code against Phra Sanitwong.

Pol Col Songsak said officials also issued summons to 30 people, including guards of the past political demonstrations, who allegedly joined the gathering at the temple.

He insisted the officials would clear the gathering of the temple’s followers at Khlong Luang central market near the temple by yesterday. All people, including market vendors, must leave the facility since the area was also declared a restricted zone, Pol Col Songsak said, adding the market organisers and tent providers would be called to meet officials to clear out the makeshift tents at the market.

Many monks turned up to surround the tents yesterday morning following reports that the military and DSI officials would step in to remove all the tents in the market.

Phra Palad Seksan Attathamo, a monk at the temple, said monks and the temple’s disciples were worried about reports that officials would clear the market so they decided to converge to block the operation. The group, he said, only wanted to chant a prayer and practice Dhamma there.

Officials held talks with the three operators of the tent rental, who later agreed to remove all the tents from the market.

Deputy police spokesman Kritsana Pattanacharoen said he learned from the DSI that police can arrest Phra Sanitwong wherever the monk is found. The National Office of Buddhism would also be asked to bring him to report to authorities, he noted.