Bangkok: Pol. Lt. Col. Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, spearheaded an operation alongside police forces, State Audit Office officials, and officials from the Office of Buddhism to scrutinize the financial operations of Wat Rai Khing. Leading the inspection of the temple's finances, the team discovered a total of 185 donation boxes scattered throughout the temple grounds, as indicated by Phra Khru Pathom Thirawat, assistant abbot of Wat Rai Khing.
According to Thai News Agency, the extensive investigation, spanning over eight hours, involved summoning ten individuals linked to the temple's financial dealings, including bank officials from four banks. This effort uncovered 49 temple accounts, 29 more than previously identified, four of which were personal accounts belonging to the former abbot. The investigation aims to ensure all accounts have been accounted for and to trace financial transactions comprehensively.
The responsibility of examining the temple's income has been entrusted to the PACC, State Audit Office, and the Anti-Corruption Commission. These bodies will delve into various financial streams, such as merit-making events, fish food sales, donation box collections, and rental income from temple land and sacred objects. The comprehensive review will cover the past five years, with results expected in two days regarding monthly or annual income averages. The investigation also revealed illegal transfers of event stall rental fees to the former abbot's account, warranting further scrutiny. Questions remain about the 300 million baht linked to "Tid Yaem," including its ownership and potential connections to other individuals.
Discussions with Phra Ratchawachirasuthaporn, acting abbot of Wat Rai Khing, focused on resetting the financial accounts and establishing a new baseline for operations. The funds collected from donation boxes will now be managed under the new abbot's direction. This collaborative effort with multiple agencies aims to establish a management standard for other temples facing similar challenges in the future.