A Buddhist monk who formerly served as the abbot of a temple in Phetchabun became the first suspect to be prosecuted in the 2012-2016 temple fund scandal yesterday.
He was given 26 years in jail for money laundering and other forms of misconduct.
Phra Khru Kitti Phatcharakhun, 55, the former chief monk of Chon Daen district and ex-abbot of Wat Lat Khae temple pleaded not guilty and had his lawyer request bail. The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases said the request would be sent to the Appeal Court instead.
The monk had to ditch his saffron robes for layman's clothing before he was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison, where he will be held until the court makes a decision.
The monk was found guilty of money laundering and violating Section 83 of the Criminal Code by colluding with Nopparat Benjawattananan, ex-director of the Office of National Buddhism, to embezzle 28 million baht intended for 12 temples in Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Tak and Chumphon.
The pair were able to get more funds allocated to the temples and agreed to return the 28 million baht.