Bangkok: Progress is being made in the investigation concerning Phra Ajarn Kukrit, as authorities urgently gather evidence from international sources. The Director-General of the Public Prosecutor's Office for Investigation confirmed that the decision to prosecute will be based primarily on evidence. Preparations are underway to request financial information from Germany, alongside data from the Buddhist Affairs Office, to scrutinize the financial regulations of temples.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wacharin Phanurat, Director-General of the Investigation Division of the Public Prosecutor's Office, stated that the prosecution of Phra Ajarn Kukrit hinges on the evidence collected. The investigation committee has already convened multiple times, addressing many issues, with only a few witnesses left to be interrogated. Critical to the case is the acquisition of documents from Germany, with Mr. Theerach Limpiyaraya acting as the main coordinator to ensure efficient processing.
Mr. Theerach Limpiyaraya, a provincial prosecutor from the Office of the Attorney General, noted that coordinating with German authorities has already begun, and the formal request for documents is being prepared. The acquired documents will be compared to the evidence provided by the accuser, focusing on financial trails such as registration records or securities investments to ascertain whether the funds were used for the temple's benefit, personal gain, or aligned with the temple's objectives.
Additionally, the temple's financial management practices will be scrutinized. Inquiries have been directed to the National Office of Buddhism concerning fund withdrawal regulations, approval processes, authorized signatories, and guidelines for fund utilization. Initial questioning has been thorough, with only minor issues pending further investigation. The prosecutor remains in close coordination with the investigative officers.
Mr. Theerach Limpiyaraya highlighted that the case has made significant progress, and should any suspicious elements arise from the additional documents submitted by the lawyers, further investigation will be pursued.