Bang kruai: Lawyer Ananchai has called upon "Big Tao," a prominent police official, to probe the former abbot of Wat Sak Yai temple for alleged misconduct involving six female followers and potential misuse of temple funds. The allegations have spurred concerns about financial improprieties and monastic misconduct, prompting calls for a thorough investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ananchai Chaiyadej, who serves as the President of the Dhamma Army Lawyers Foundation, formally met with Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Panngaeo, the Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau. During their meeting, Mr. Ananchai lodged a complaint seeking a comprehensive investigation into the financial dealings of the former abbot at Wat Sak Yai temple, located in the Wat Chalo Subdistrict of Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province. The complaint aims to ascertain whether the transactions constitute violations under Sections 147 and 157 of the Criminal Code. Reports have surfaced, including a video showing two women engaged in a dispute over their relationships with the former abbot, followed by media revelations of his involvement with six women. Despite the former abbot's decision to disrobe, the veracity of the allegations remains uncertain, as no investigation committee was established prior to his disrobing. Consequently, it remains inconclusive whether the forme r abbot committed any offenses related to monastic misconduct.
The situation has inflicted reputational damage on the monastic community in Nonthaburi province and beyond, as reports suggest that funds may have been provided to female devotees. This has led to suspicions that the temple's resources were exploited for personal gain, potentially violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which addresses abuse of power and embezzlement of public funds. To promote transparency, the Dhamma Army Lawyers Foundation has submitted a formal complaint requesting an audit of Wat Sak Yai's financial transactions and accounts to ensure compliance with legal standards. Should any irregularities be uncovered, the foundation urges the authorities to press charges. Although the abbot has disrobed, the 15-year statute of limitations allows for retrospective legal action.
Despite the current lack of concrete evidence from local villagers, there is anticipation that additional evidence may surface as the investigation progresses. The foundation has pledged to forward any public evidence to the police to facilitate the inquiry.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat affirmed that the Anti-Corruption Division police had been instructed to examine the situation at the temple since the preceding Monday. Monks at the temple have claimed that the abbot is currently unavailable but have assured that necessary documents will be provided within days. The investigation aims to determine if temple funds were misappropriated. Should it be proven that funds were used for personal purposes benefiting a laywoman, it might not constitute wrongdoing. However, misuse of temple funds would result in charges, and the laywoman involved will be summoned for questioning.