A stash of 80 million baht money and a pile of gold bars have been discovered buried within the soil behind Wat Pa Dhammakiri temple in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand on Monday. The temple was searched after the previous abbot and two others had been arrested beneath suspicion of embezzling a hundred and eighty million baht of temple funds final week. The three suspects are suspected of embezzling 300 million baht since 2020.
Officers from the Crime Suppression Division arrested 39 yr previous Khom Kongkaew (formerly Phra Khom Apiwaro) – a meditation grasp – 38 year outdated Wuttima Thaomor (formerly Phra Mahawutima Thaomor) – the former abbot of the temple – and Khom’s 35 12 months old Juthathip Phutbodhiwarochupan on Sunday on expenses of embezzlement and corruption.
The trio allegedly took donations and hid the money for themselves. One donation to the temple was allegedly given to former abbot Wuttima who passed the money to Khom’s sister Juthathip.
Khom requested to make a telephone call on the police station during which he attempted to secretly ask somebody to maneuver the temple’s assets, leading the police to conduct an intensive search of the temple grounds.
Police found eighty million baht money and gold bars worth 19 million baht buried in the soil on the hill behind the temple. Police expanded their investigation to query 20 extra witnesses after the discovery.
Now, police have arrested six more suspects suspected to be concerned in the embezzlement together with five former monks and one driver.
A native man said that several monk’s quarters have been constructed on the hill behind the temple. He said that monks are at all times patrolling the world as if they’re hiding one thing. He stated that when locals not often try to make benefit on the temple as a result of the temple committee prohibits them from coming into for “dressing inappropriately.” He mentioned he was suspicious one thing fishy was occurring however didn’t dare inform anyone.
Police stated they’d object bail requests for the three suspects because they’re nervous they will either flee or tamper with evidence in the case. Today, the Criminal Court denied Khom’s bail request, citing that his alleged behaviour was a “serious undermining” of Buddhism. He might be initially detained for a period of 12 days. Police charged the suspects with collectively abusing power to embezzle cash, collectively supporting officials who abuse energy to embezzle cash, and incorrectly performing or neglecting obligation. Khom’ Thought-provoking was also charged with receiving stolen goods.
Khom can be believed to have had a sexual relationship with certainly one of his followers. He was defrocked on Monday..