Special investigation officials will seek a warrant for the arrest of Phra Dhammajayo on Tuesday morning after the senior monk failed to come and hear the charges by the Monday deadline.
Director general Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang said the abbot of Wat Dhammakaya had failed for the second time to go to the Department of Special Investigation to hear the charges against him involving an embezzlement at the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative.
Phra Dhammajayo, whose monastic title is Phrathepyanmahamuni, was charged with conspiring and collaborating to launder money and accepting stolen goods. In 2015, Supachai Srisup-aksorn, chairman of the cooperative, was arrested for embezzlement. More than 878 cheques worth 11 billion baht were allegedly made out using KCUC funds and authorised by Supachai. Some of the money was donated to Phra Dhammajayo.
Last month, the Criminal Court sentenced Supachai to 16 years in jail, the first such ruling in seven cases connected to the cooperative scandal. Supachai pleaded guilty in court to charges of embezzlement, which he initially denied.
Pol Col Paisit said Samphan Sermcheep, a lawyer representing Dhammajayo on Monday morning submitted the temple's letter to the DSI asking to delay the reporting, saying he was sick and doctors prescribed rest for 15 days.
The DSI officials in charge of the case subsequently held a meeting to discuss the request.
"After the meeting, the investigation team decided there was no sound reasoning to delay the meeting yet again because he had done so twice. He cited religious duties and sicknesses and used doctor certificates from a private clinic when in reality he still performs his religious duties normally," Pol Col Paisit said.
Such behaviours betrayed an intent not to enter the judicial process. Since the offences carry a jail term of more than three years and there is enough evidence, the meeting resolved to seek the arrest warrant.
Phra Dhammajayo (inset) and his Wat Phra Dhammakaya were allegedly the main beneficiaries of the multi-billion baht embezzlement that ruined the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative. (File photos)
DSI officials will go to the Criminal Court to seek the warrant at 10am Tuesday.
The temple issued a statement on Monday evening Dhammajayo feels dizzy and has difficulty maintaining balance. He also has pains in the back and left leg due to acute muscle inflammation, as well as chronic and serious diabetic symptoms.
