Shocking discovery in investigation of former abbot in Thailand

The Nation newspaper on May 8 quoted Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) as saying that their crime-suppression unit (CSD) discovered 80 million baht (2.4 million USD) in cash and 19 million baht (567,000 USD) in gold bars buried in a hill behind the temple.

The discovery brings the total amount of assets seized from the former abbot of Wat Pa Dhamma Khiri and the famous preacher - believed to be his lover - to 207 million baht ($6.17 million). The temple is located in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima city.

The gold hidden behind the temple. Photo: The Nation

Last weekend, CSD officers arrested former abbot Phra Mor, 38, along with former preacher Phra Achan Khom, 39, and Khom's sister Juthathip Phulobdiwachoruphan, 35.

According to the CSD, the arrest warrants were issued for the three individuals after the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) requested an investigation. The NOB received a tip that the two monks had previously embezzled donations from their temple.

CSD commander Montree Theskhan said at a press conference on May 7 that Ms Khom was arrested in Bangkok, Mr Phra Mor was arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima and Ms Juthathip was arrested in Nonthaburi.

CSD officers had earlier found 51 million baht in cash at Juthathip’s home and another 130 million baht in her bank account. They suspected the money was embezzled from donations to the temple. During Phra Mor’s time as abbot, Khom was the temple’s treasurer.

Local residents say the temple seems to be visited only by wealthy people from Bangkok, who always arrive in luxury cars.

Pham Nghia

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/phat-hien-soc-trong-vu-dieu-tra-cuu-tru-tri-o-thai-lan-20230510201140118.htm