Bangkok: "Big Tao" led a police force from the Crime Suppression Division to search three locations at Wat Rai Khing to find electronic devices related to the embezzlement of 300 million baht from the temple's funds, along with a search warrant for a citizen's house at one location, which was a temple official, revealing that the former Chao Khun Yaem did not fully confess.
According to Thai News Agency, at 07.00 hrs., Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, along with relevant agencies, including the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), searched three locations inside Wat Rai Khing Royal Monastery and one location in the surrounding area. The first location inside Wat Rai Khing was the kuti of Phra Thammachiranuwat, or Chao Khun Yaem, the former abbot of Wat Rai Khing and the 14th Sangha Region. The assistant abbot of Wat Rai Khing led the officers to search the kuti and observe.
As soon as the task force arrived at the abbot's quarters, they had the police read the search warrant to inspect and seize electronic devices used in the crime, including computers, mobile phones, and related documents, to be used as evidence in the investigation and consideration of the charges.
While Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat gave an interview after reading the search warrant that today is a search of the money flowing through various accounts. Who is involved? Each person must be called in for questioning along with the search. The main thing is mostly related to the money flow related to online gambling websites. The focus is on electronic devices. As for the CCTV footage that may have been moved earlier, Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat confirmed that there is no need to worry. All of it can be retrieved.
For today, search warrants were issued for a total of four locations, three of which were inside Wat Rai Khing and one of which was the home of the people involved (temple officials). Today, we must first gather all the details because last night, the former Chao Khun Yaem cooperated with the officials, but not as much as he should have. It was a confession but not everything he said. There were some parts that did not match the evidence. It was more of a half-assed confession. Today, we must wait for clarity first. As for today's details, once they are clear, we will hold a press conference after the meeting again later.