The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is to trace the money trail of the Sattha (Faith) Foundation allegedly established by the controversial World Peace University (WPU).
The foundation has asked the public for donations to help those in need, Pol Lt Col Sakapol Sukpan, chief of the DSI's law enforcement support office said.
The DSI will examine the foundation's accounts and check where the donated money goes, he said.
The investigation has found the WPU has opened 15 offices nationwide, Pol Lt Col Sakapol said.
The DSI yesterday questioned three actors _ Yodchai Meksuwan, Manop Assawathep and Kanchit Kwanpracha _ who had received WPU degrees.
Pol Lt Col Sakapol said Yodchai collected an honorary degree from the WPU's Chiang Mai office free of charge, while Manop and Kanchit did likewise at the Lat Phrao office in Bangkok.
The WPU awards honorary degrees to people who contribute to society in fields related to world peace, such as media, marketing and creativity.
The university was found to have opened a foundation it says is aimed at helping poor people and improving education, Pol Lt Col Sakapol said.
The office of the Higher Education Commission has confirmed the WPU was illegally established as a university because it was only registered as a limited partnership, he said. The DSI probe came after Sukhum Wongprasit, a follower of embattled monk Phra Wirapol Sukphol, or Luang Pu Nen Kham Chattiko, claimed to have received a WPU doctorate degree.
Rector Sawat Banterngsook, 74, met reporters at the WPU headquarters in Chiang Mai yesterday and said the organisation was legally established under United States laws.
He said he would meet DSI officials for questioning tomorrow.
Only 300 people recognised for their good deeds have received honorary degrees from the university, not 1,200 as the DSI claimed, the rector said.
Mr Sawat also denied allegations the WPU operated a pyramid scam by collecting money for degrees.