Bangkok: Police have announced plans to detain 'Ms. Golf' tomorrow, as they expand their investigation into two fraud and extortion cases. Authorities claim to have clear financial evidence to proceed with prosecution.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Col. Anek Taosuphap, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division, stated that investigation officers will utilize the available 48-hour period to bring Ms. Golf in for questioning. This involves two cases: one involving Mr. Somsak Samamo, former director of the Office of Buddhism in Phichit Province, who accused Ms. Golf of fraud in an incident dating back to 2016.
The second case involves former Phra Khru Siriwiriyathada, assistant abbot of Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, known as 'Tid Lae', who accused Ms. Golf of extortion and unlawful detention. Once arrested, Ms. Golf will be questioned until the investigation is complete, after which she will be detained. If necessary, questioning may continue in prison.
Evidence indicates a direct monetary link between Ms. Golf and the former director, totaling 400,000 baht, received in two payments for surgery costs and childcare in Bangkok. In the extortion case, evidence shows an 8,000 baht payment from Tid Lae to Ms. Golf's associate, reduced from an initial 15,000 baht demand to keep information from the Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan abbot.
Despite being implicated in multiple cases by the Central Investigation Bureau, each case against Ms. Golf will be handled separately, with case files sent to respective courts. The Anti-Corruption Division handles cases involving abbot offenses or corruption, while the Crime Suppression Division addresses criminal cases.
After being detained at the Central Investigation Bureau's complaint center, Ms. Golf has been held in the prisoner control room since last night. Authorities reported that she appeared calm, eating a meal of chicken rice this morning, provided by on-duty police.
At 11:00 a.m., Ms. Golf's mother and relatives visited, bringing food items like durian, watermelon, pineapple, and rice. Ms. Golf declined media interviews, requesting privacy.