DSI pursues fugitive monk

DSI pursues fugitive monk

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is seeking support from foreign authorities to arrest fugitive former monk Luang Pu Nen Kham.

The renegade monk, who goes by the layman name Wirapol Sukphol, is believed to be hiding in the US to escape a range of charges including fraud and statutory rape.

Pol Lt Col Phong-in Intrakhao, the commander of the DSI’s National Security Bureau, said officers are working with authorities in several countries to locate and capture Mr Wirapol, and would seek his extradition to stand trial in Thailand as quickly as possible.

Mr Wirapol, 35, was defrocked in absentia after allegations of his criminal behaviour and high-flying lifestyle were revealed last year. National Buddhism Office spokesman Somchai Surachatree said the fugitive no longer had any right to call himself a monk.

But a photo of Mr Wirapol wearing a yellow-saffron robe, sitting on a table surrounded by followers, was released online last month. A statement on Mr Wirapol’s website said he was currently living in the US, despite his Thai passport being revoked.

Mr Wirapol fled Thailand last year and was also reported to have taken refuge in France before moving to the US.

He gained widespread media attention following the release of video footage which showed him travelling on a luxury private jet while still a monk. He also carried a Louis Vuitton bag, wore brand-name sunglasses and owned more than 100 luxury cars and a large number of land holdings.

Police are preparing to charge him with child abduction, statutory rape, fraud, money laundering and breaching the Computer Crimes Act.

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