Arrest warrants out for 2 more monks
The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) will issue arrest warrants for two more monks suspected of being embroiled in the temple fund embezzlement scandal.
CSD chief Pol Maj Gen Maitri Chimcherd said officials have been unable to disclose the names of the monks as they are gathering evidence which will be used to seek an arrest warrant from the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases.
Meanwhile, CSD deputy chief Chakrit Sawasdee said a probe against six former senior monks has been concluded and the case will be sent to prosecutors next week.
The six monks are Phra Phrom Dilok, former abbot of Wat Sam Phraya; his exsecretary, Phra Atthakit Sophon; Phra Sri Khunaporn; Phra Wichit Thammaporn; Phra Khru Siriwihankan; and Phra Methee Sutthikorn.
They were arrested and defrocked in May. All of them are now being detained at the Bangkok Remand Prison after the court refused them bail.
As for fugitive ex-Sangha Supreme Council member Phra Phrom Methee, he is seeking asylum in Germany, Pol Col Chakrit said.
In the same case, Pol Col Anek Taosuphab, chief of investigators at the CSD’s Division 1, said a manhunt had been launched for two laymen suspects who remain at large.
They are Pranom Kongpikul, former deputy director of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) and former NOB director Nopparat Benjawatananun.
Ms Pranom was reported to have left the country in June and has not yet returned.
As for Mr Nopparat who was a key suspect behind the embezzlement scandal, the division and relevant agencies were working to secure his extradition from the US.
Both are among 11 laymen wanted by police in connection with the case.
Nine others were also apprehended on Wednesday during a raid on 10 locations after their arrest warrants were sought by the Counter-Corruption Division and the CSD.
They are now being held in police custody after their bail was opposed by the court.
The nine include former NOB director Phanom Sornsilp; Kaew Chittakob, director of the Ang Thong provincial Buddhism Office; Pattana Su-ammatmontri, a former Nakhon Pathom provincial Buddhism Office official; Boonlert Sopha, director of the Lampang provincial Buddhism office; Chayapol Pongsida, a former deputy NOB chief; and Pornpen Kititharangkura.
The others are the head of the NOB’s administrative development unit; Wasawad Kittitheerasit, head of the NOB’s temple renovation and development unit; Narongdej Chainet, director of the Sing Buri provincial Buddhism Office; and Jetsada Wongmek, a construction contractor.