Police have retrieved assets worth about 10 billion baht acquired earlier with donations embezzled from the Aids hospice temple, Wat Phrabat Namphu, in Lop Buri province.
The recovery effort began in August following the arrest of the temple’s former abbot and his aide, Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Bupasuwan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, told a press conference at the CSD on Thursday.
Police first began investigating in April after receiving a complaint that donations were being diverted at the temple, which took in large sums from local and international supporters of its well-known work with HIV/Aids patients.
The investigations focused on Alongkot Phoolmook, the former abbot of the temple, and his aide and fund-raiser Seksan “Mor Bee” Sapsubbsakul.
Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak said the assets had been retrieved from many people to be returned to the temple as donors originally intended. They included 60 vehicles and land rights documents covering about 7,200 rai (11.5 square kilometres).
Mr Alongkot, formerly known as Luang Phor Alongkot, 65, and Mr Seksan, 43, were arrested on Aug 26. The former abbot was charged with temple fund embezzlement, malfeasance by a public official and money-laundering. Mr Seksan was charged with supporting embezzlement by a government official.
Senior monks at temples throughout Thailand are officially considered government officials as they receive a monthly stipend under a centuries-old tradition of royal patronage that continues under public administration today.
During the arrest, police seized two title deeds for land and buildings worth 70 million baht, three vehicles worth 8 million baht, 2 million baht in cash and three luxury bags worth 400,000 baht from Mr Seksan. Also seized were 21 cheques for 52 million baht and 500,000 baht in cash from Mr Alongkot.
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Police escort then-abbot Alongkot, centre, from the Crime Suppression Division headquarters after questioning him on Aug 27. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)
Former temple fund-raiser and self-proclaimed spirit medium Seksan “Mor Bee” Sapsubbsakul, left, reacts as he is placed under arrest on Aug 26. (Police photo)
