Bangkok: Former abbot of Wat Rai Khing faces stress during his first night in prison, choosing not to eat dinner, while ‘Premchai’ undergoes quarantine in the prison’s medical ward.
According to Thai News Agency, investigators have detained three suspects involved in the embezzlement case of Wat Rai Khing. The individuals include Mr. Yaem Inthrakrungkao, also known as former Phra Thammawachiranuwat (Yaem Kittintharo), the former abbot of Wat Rai Khing, Mr. Ekaphon Phukhang, a former temple boy close to the former abbot, and Ms. Aranyawan Wangthapan, an online gambling website broker. They were presented to the court for an initial 12-day detention and subsequently confined at the Bangkok Special Prison and the Central Women’s Correctional Institution.
Ms. Kanokwan Jiwchueaphan, deputy spokesperson of the Department of Corrections, disclosed that the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases issued a detention warrant for Ms. Aranyawan Wangthapan. She was sent to the Central Women’s Correctional Institution, where she is undergoing quarantine for COVID-19. Her health was checked and she is reportedly cooperating well with prison authorities.
Regarding Mr. Yaem and Mr. Ekaphon, both were admitted to the Bangkok Special Prison for initial health examinations. It was noted that one of them has a chronic disease, and they are receiving regular medication. Despite being slightly stressed, they have been able to eat normally, although both chose to skip dinner, citing unfamiliarity with the meal. They have not requested any additional consumer goods and are reportedly cooperative. Both are sharing a quarantine room in the initial reception area.
In a related matter, suspects involved in the Office of the Auditor General building collapse have also been detained at the Bangkok Special Prison. Among them, Mr. Pimol Charoenying and Mr. Premchai Karnasut, who are elderly and have underlying health issues, are being isolated for COVID-19 monitoring. They are staying in the infirmary with the assistance of prison health volunteers, who are former doctors. These inmates are allowed to continue their medication for underlying conditions and remain in the infirmary without being transferred to the prison hospital.
