Bangkok: "Big Tao" has confirmed that there is additional evidence to prosecute individuals involved in the embezzlement of Wat Rai Khing funds. The Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau has stated that while the process of collecting evidence is ongoing, an investigation has been ordered into the loan money associated with the temple's abbot in Nakhon Pathom Province.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, revealed that substantial progress has been made in tracing the financial trails related to the embezzlement case. Despite this, some issues remain unclear, particularly concerning Mr. Ekaphon, also known as former Phra Maha Ekaphon, who was closely associated with Mr. Yaem, the former abbot of Wat Rai Khing. Investigators have discovered that financial transactions were made to Ms. Aranyawan through Mr. Chatchai's account, which was utilized by the former abbot. Additional questioning of Mr. Ekaphon is scheduled to take place within the prison this week.
The investigation has also uncovered that Ms. Aranyawan possesses property holdings exceeding 40 million baht. Evidence indicates that she used some of the funds received from the former abbot for gambling and asset acquisitions, including land, real estate, and vehicles. Since 2020, her four bank accounts have seen a circulation of more than 2 billion baht. Despite concerns about potential asset transfers, authorities are confident in their ability to track transaction paths.
Pol. Lt. Col. Charoonkiat also mentioned actions against 'Dr. Toi', a close associate of the former abbot, and her husband. The investigation, which includes questioning the treasurer of Rai Khing Temple and other related individuals, is underway with expectations of sufficient evidence for prosecution by the end of the week.
Additionally, it was noted that the former abbot's confidant and her husband own various assets, including a coffee shop in Sukhothai Province, an agricultural garden in Mukdahan Province, and land in Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai Provinces, collectively valued at over 40 million baht. Authorities are examining whether these assets were acquired through embezzlement, categorizing the case as potential money laundering that could lead to asset seizure upon filing charges.
Concerning Mr. Yaem's alleged borrowing activities from the Nakhon Pathom temple's abbot, an expanded investigation has been ordered by the Crime Suppression Division to further explore the financial traces involved.