Nakhon sawan: The commander of the Anti-Corruption Division convened a meeting with the working group to explore potential links between ‘Tid Srit’s’ financial activities and alleged temple corruption or misconduct involving a wealthy woman. The investigation team has been dispatched to the temple in Nakhon Sawan for a detailed fact-finding mission.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Col. Prasong Chalermphan, Commander of the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD), initiated the meeting concerning ‘Tid Sarit’, formerly known as Phra Thammawachirathirakun. Tid Sarit, the previous abbot of Wat Nakhon Sawan and the provincial ecclesiastical chief, is under scrutiny for allegedly engaging in a long-term relationship with a wealthy 57-year-old woman from Pak Nam Pho, whom he reportedly supported as a partner for over 15 years. Concurrently, authorities are examining the temple’s financial records to determine if there was any embezzlement during his tenure.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has outlined the investigation’s framework, focusing specifically on the financial aspects. Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridet, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, after inaugurating the Center for the Preservation of Buddhism and Promotion of Dhamma and Vinaya, has tasked the ACC with leading the comprehensive inquiry. This includes identifying the women involved with Tid Sarit, the nature and timeline of these relationships, and any potential criminal activities. Both the ACC and the Anti-Corruption Commission aim to consolidate the findings to proceed with legal actions against those implicated in the corruption allegations.

Simultaneously, another ACC working group is conducting an on-site investigation at the Nakhon Sawan temple to verify details related to the construction of religious structures.