The Justice Ministry and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) are advocating different approaches to serving an arrest warrant on Wat Phra Dhammakaya abbot Phra Dhammajayo.
A source at the DSI said the department met to work out a plan in case it needs to mobilise its forces to capture the abbot at the temple by Thursday, a deadline given to the monk for acknowledging charges against him of money laundering and receiving stolen property worth 1.2 billion baht in connection with the 12-billion-baht Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative embezzlement case.
The DSI earlier promised it would consider offering bail to the monk if he answers the charges. The temple cited the monk's ill health for the delay in answering the charges. His arrest warrant was approved by the court last week.
The source said the DSI must consult the National Office of Buddhism for guidelines on arresting the abbot as Phra Dhammajayo is a senior monk accorded the high-ranking ecclesiastical status of "thep".
Before and after arresting the monk, the DSI must inform the head of the Sangha order who supervises Wat Phra Dhammakaya, according to the source.
The DSI is prepared to take the warrant and charges against the monk to be acknowledged at the temple although concerns are growing as to whether the authorities will face resistance from the monk's disciples.
However, Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya said yesterday state officials serving the warrant will not be "pushy". "There's no need for a raid because this is not a drug case," he said.
The minister said if the DSI officials step into the temple and find the monk's supporters are not cooperating, they would only take a photo to keep a record of the visit.
Even if they return without the abbot in custody, the DSI can conclude its investigation report and recommend indicting the monk in line with legal procedures.
"I've said many times the officials have nothing to be concerned about. There are clear, legal steps to follow," Gen Paiboon said, stressing the authorities must ensure they themselves obey the rules.
The minister, however, said he was not confident Phra Dhammajayo will respond to the charges. He was also unsure whether there would be any friction during the DSI's visit to the temple.
He insisted the temple should maintain peace as it is a place of worship and a religious sanctuary.
Gen Paiboon said reports the temple may organise supporters to obstruct the DSI's visit may be unfair speculation.