Bangkok: ‘Big Tao’ has revealed that ‘Ms. K.’ provided crucial information and targeted wealthy, easily accessible victims in a blackmail case involving the former abbot ‘Tid Achaw’.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasong Chalermphan, commander of the Anti-Corruption Division, convened a meeting to strategize on the case. The meeting, which lasted approximately three hours, was aimed at dividing responsibilities among subordinate units to further investigate and gather information.
Authorities have made significant progress, yet details remain confidential as they continue to collect evidence. The Anti-Corruption Division is collaborating with the Office of Buddhism to address both criminal and monastic violations. Investigators have obtained substantial evidence aligning with Ms. A’s testimony, revealing the methods she used to select her victims and manage the proceeds of her crimes. Ms. A has expressed remorse and willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat disclosed that Ms. K. targeted individuals with financial means, using strategies to establish relationships and subsequently extort money through threats and media recorded on the Line application. Despite no formal complaints from victims, her actions have been classified as extortion, meriting legal action.
Furthermore, the Technology Crime Suppression Division’s efforts to obtain additional evidence from Ms. K.’s residence in Nonthaburi relate to online gambling, separate from the current investigation. Pol. Col. Charoonkiat emphasized the need for the Office of Buddhism to be more vigilant in addressing misconduct among monks to prevent further erosion of public trust.
He also urged media discretion regarding Ms. K’s child, warning that unwarranted exposure could adversely affect the child’s future. Monks implicated in the scandal are advised to voluntarily disrobe, as their involvement contravenes monastic discipline, offering a path to redemption.