Background of the Case
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has provided an official statement regarding its handling of a case involving Phra Dhammajayo, the former abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya. This clarification was made in response to reports circulating on social media that suggested prosecutors had instructed the DSI to abandon legal proceedings against the former abbot.
The case originated from the DSI’s 2013 investigation into the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) embezzlement scandal. This scandal occurred between 2009 and 2011, resulting in losses exceeding 13 billion baht for cooperative members. Authorities pursued legal action against Supachai Srisupa-aksorn, the former chairman and manager of the cooperative, along with other suspects, charging them with fraud and misappropriation.
Key Findings and Legal Actions
Further investigations revealed that Phra Dhammajayo and associated individuals had received transfers from the cooperative totaling approximately 1.458 billion baht. The DSI classified this matter as a special case and, after completing its investigation, recommended the indictment of five suspects, including Phra Dhammajayo, before forwarding the case to prosecutors for further legal proceedings.
However, Phra Dhammajayo did not appear to face the charges and was considered to have fled. As a result, the Criminal Court issued arrest warrants, prompting the DSI to coordinate with the Royal Thai Police and international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, in an effort to locate him. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful.
Civil Measures and Final Rulings
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has delivered a final ruling in money-laundering cases involving Supachai and other defendants. As part of civil measures, Wat Phra Dhammakaya returned 1.458 billion baht to the KCUC to compensate affected members.
The DSI stated that the alleged offenses occurred between 2009 and 2011, and under Section 95 of the Criminal Code, money-laundering offenses carry a 15-year statute of limitations. Prosecutors determined that the limitation period had expired, leading to the decision to end the case.
Ongoing Efforts and Legal Compliance
Despite the decision to close the case, the DSI emphasized that it continues to coordinate efforts both domestically and internationally to apprehend the suspect. It also noted that the prosecutors’ decision was in accordance with the law.
Summary of Events
- The DSI investigated the KCUC embezzlement scandal, which caused significant financial losses.
- Phra Dhammajayo and others were found to have received substantial funds from the cooperative.
- The DSI recommended indictments, but Phra Dhammajayo failed to appear, leading to arrest warrants.
- International efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.
- The Supreme Court ruled on related money-laundering cases, with civil compensation provided.
- Prosecutors decided the statute of limitations had expired, ending criminal prosecution.
- The DSI maintains ongoing efforts to track down the suspect while adhering to legal procedures.
