Sam Phran: Police are urgently investigating more than 20 bank accounts of Wat Rai Khing to find links to the embezzlement of money by the former abbot. Initial findings show that there are another 7 accounts used to accuse of wrongdoing. Officers are urgently investigating and questioning witnesses to gather evidence to prosecute all those involved. According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasong Chalermphan, Commander of the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Division, stated that investigators are still collecting evidence of financial trails, questioning witnesses and those involved with Wat Rai Khing accounts, many accounts gradually coming in for questioning, by setting up an operations center at the Royal Police Cadet Academy, Sam Phran. From the current investigation, there are several financial connections between Mr. Yaem and Ms. Aranyawan from 2020 to 2024, totaling more than 300 million baht. This includes transfers to a personal account of the former Phra Yaem, with 80 million baht transferre d to Ms. Aranyawan in 2023. Additionally, Mr. Ekaphon, also known as the former Phra Ekaphon, has been involved in transferring money and depositing cash at various bank ATMs for Ms. Aranyawan, totaling more than 200 million baht. Another personal account was identified, transferring 60 million baht to Ms. Aranyawan. The investigation of the accounts within Wat Rai Khing identified more than 20 accounts, including special accounts for renting amulets and temple activities, and 3 accounts belonging to the foundation within Wat Rai Khing. Of these, 7 accounts have been used by investigators to accuse Mr. Yaem, the former abbot, of embezzling temple funds. Several more accounts remain under investigation. Additionally, the interrogation of a former navy officer, a close associate of Mr. Yaem and owner of several cars used by him, is ongoing to determine the source of the funds for the vehicles. Legal action may be pursued if the money is found to be from illicit activities, although no connection has been esta blished yet. It was further reported that the amount of money transferred to Ms. Aranyawan's account was as high as 800 million baht. Investigations continue to verify this transfer information due to the complexity of the process.
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