Bangkok: The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) is gearing up to launch a comprehensive operation aimed at investigating allegations of misconduct within temple grounds. As part of the operation, the CSD will request detailed complaint records from the Department of Religious Affairs.
According to Thai News Agency, the Crime Suppression Division has identified over 4,000 complaints against monks, with a directive to conclude the investigations within a week. Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, shared the results of the recent operation by the Center for the Prevention and Suppression of Threats and the Enhancement of Security in Buddhism, which successfully led to the arrest of 163 individuals, including 153 monks. However, 18 individuals from the target list remain unaccounted for.
Additionally, Pol. Col. Charoenkiat addressed an incident involving four monks who initially refused to disrobe. After discussions with the disciplinary committee regarding monastic discipline and the directives of the Sangha Supreme Council, the monks agreed to disrobe by the end of the day.
Further preparations are in progress for the next sweep, which will involve collecting data on complaints from the National Office of Buddhism. The operation involves scrutinizing over 40,000 temples nationwide, focusing on donation management, financial accounts, and relevant personnel. This initiative is part of a broader effort to compile a comprehensive database, with the investigation set to be completed within seven days.