The Department of Special Investigation said it was unable to locate Phra Dhammajayo during the search of Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani on Thursday and would carry out another search on Friday.
“The search today did not find Phra Dhammajayo but officials believe in intelligence reports that he is still in the temple. The search has covered only 15 percent of the total area,” DSI deputy spokesman Woranan Srilam told a media briefing on Thursday evening.
Pol Maj Woranan said the operation, which involved 4,240 police, soldiers and DSI officials, saw minor scuffles with monks and disciples inside the temple so authorities were able to search quickly. The mission lasted three hours and ended at 4pm.
- Earlier report & Video: Police enter temple, search for Phra Dhammajayo begins
Anyone obstructing the authorities would face a one-year jail sentence or a fine not exceeding 20,000 baht or both, he said. A three-page Section 44 order was given to impose complete control over the temple to help Thursday's raid.
The temple in Khlong Luang district in Pathum Thani is divided into two main areas: one covering 2000 rai of land where the sect’s three landmarks for mass gatherings are located; the other covers 196 rai and is where the Daowadung Building, which is believed to be the residence of Phra Dhammajayo, is located.
The search for the temple’s former abbot had covered the entire 196-rai area, or Zone A based on the DSI’s operation plan that separates the temple grounds into three zones, but officials could not find him, said Pol Col Kritsana Pattanacharoen, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police.
The search will continue in the remaining area, or Zones B and C, on Friday at 8am.
“Even though we haven’t found Phra Dhammajayo, one cannot conclude that the former abbot is not in the temple until the inspection is 100 percent complete,” Pol Col Kritsana said.
Thursday’s search is the first time security officers have been able to enter the temple following three previous failed attempts last year – the first one in June and the second and the third in December.
The Dhammakaya sect's founder Phra Dhammajayo, 72, is wanted on several arrest warrants for alleged laundering money and receiving stolen assets in connection with the multi-billion-baht embezzlement of the Klongchan Credit Union Co-operative. He has refused to meet authorities for questioning and acknowledge charges for nearly a year, on the pretext of being too ill.
His temple's meditation centres also allegedly encroach on forest reserves in Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima and Phangnga provinces.