The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is checking aerial photos of two pieces of land, near Khao Yai and Ko Yao tourist attractions, suspected to be illegally occupied by branches of Wat Phra Dhammakaya.
The plots in question are "closed areas" which the general public are not allowed access to, so the DSI first needs to investigate the alleged irregularities from a distance, comparing the old aerial photos with the current maps, DSI's Consumer Protection and Environment Crime Bureau chief Prawut Wongseenin said on Friday.
The aim is to find out whether there have been any encroachments, he said. The move came after receiving complaints against Wat Phra Dhammakaya, causing more trouble for the temple already hit by charges of money laundering and receiving stolen property against its abbot, Phra Dhammajayo.
Among the DSI's concerns is an ownership claim on a mountainous area on Ko Yao resort islet in Phang Nga in the South. An initial check found "no clear boundary of the area" in a state document detailing its size, Pol Lt Col Prawut said.
The current owner tried to prove ownership of the area with a document, Nor Sor 3, which was granted by officials to show the land has been occupied and used. However, Pol Lt Col Pwarut said investigators still need to question former owners of the area in order to clarify its exact location.
If the land occupied extends beyond what has been officially stated, the DSI will ask the court to grant a search warrant to act against the alleged encroachment, he said.
The agency is also inspecting another piece of land which houses Muk Tawan-World Peace Valley Dhamma Centre at Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district, which is easily recognised by a large reservoir built in the centre compound.
Some investigators are reportedly questioning whether some centres at tourist areas have been built as a front to serve as "hotels" for mainly Chinese visitors.
There has so far been no reaction from the temple after the accusations filed with the DSI, the chief said.
Its abbot, whose disciples claim is being treated for illnesses at the temple in Pathum Thani, has kept a low profile and defied arrest by the DSI, whose latest attempt on June 16 was hindered by supporters.
