Bangkok: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has brought the former director of the Office of Buddhism back to face charges related to temple embezzlement. The NACC has taken decisive action against Nopparat Benjawattananun, the former director of the National Office of Buddhism, who was implicated in the ‘temple kickbacks’ case after evading authorities by fleeing to the United States.

According to Thai News Agency, the NACC is coordinating with relevant agencies to seize, freeze, and trace assets obtained through the alleged corrupt activities. Mr. Surapong Intarathaworn, deputy secretary-general and spokesperson for the NACC, revealed that the NACC had informed the United States of Mr. Nopparat’s arrest in connection with the temple restoration and development subsidy case. This move followed a Thai government extradition request. The NACC has engaged the Attorney General to work with U.S. authorities to extradite Mr. Nopparat to Thailand for legal proceedings. Mr. Nitiphan, deputy secretary-general of the NACC, has already escorted Mr. Nopparat back to Thailand and is now working with the prosecutor to initiate legal actions.

The NACC’s efforts to seize and recover assets are aligned with the principles of the 2003 United Nations Convention Against Corruption, to which Thailand and the United States are signatories.