Bangkok: Police are preparing to request financial information from four renowned temples amid suspicions of embezzlement involving the transfer of funds to an individual identified as Ms. K. It has been discovered that the abbot of one of these temples transferred over one million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation into Ms. K.’s financial dealings has prompted authorities to seek cooperation from four temples located in Bangkok and other provinces. These include Wat Chujittharam in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Wat Yai Chom Prasat in Samut Sakhon Province, Wat Kalayanamitr Woramahawihan, and Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan. The investigation aims to determine whether the funds transferred to Ms. K. were personal or temple assets. Notably, the abbot of Wat Yai Chom Prasat reportedly transferred over one million baht to Ms. K. through two accounts. Investigations into other monks believed to be involved are ongoing.
The investigation seeks to ascertain whether Ms. K. intended to extort money from the monks. Current findings suggest that her actions were a personal preference, targeting senior monks for personal gain. However, conclusive charges have not been filed as evidence collection continues.
The case has also implicated two high-ranking monks at the provincial ecclesiastical chief level, from Phichit and Phitsanulok. Police investigations are focusing on the financial trails after discovering personal accounts used to transfer money to Ms. K. Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, indicated that the evidence could lead to several monks facing parajika, the highest level of disciplinary action in Buddhism.
Testimony from the former assistant abbot of Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan in Chachoengsao Province has provided useful insights, implicating other monks in relationships with Ms. K. The investigation has revealed that over 20 monks were involved, with some engaged in financial dealings and others in deeper relationships. While six monks have been identified as having connections with Ms. K., there is no evidence they have disrobed. Some are currently unreachable, while others have enlisted legal representation. The abbot of Wat Chujittharam is scheduled to provide clarification to investigators at the temple tomorrow.