The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) is investigating a foundation recently established by former monk Atichot Tanprasert amid concerns it may have been used to launder money.
CSD chief Pol Maj Gen Phatthanasak Bupphasuwan said on Saturday the foundation was established earlier this year and police needed more time to examine its activities and financial records.
Police did not yet know the actual purpose behind the foundation, he said. However, its operations appeared similar to those examined in the case involving Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu in Lop Buri.
In that case, former abbot Alongkot Phonmuk was accused of mismanaging temple and foundation funds, misusing donations and laundering money. Assets worth about 60 million baht, including cash, vehicles, luxury goods, land and bank deposits, were seized.
Mr Atichot, former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, and his close female aide, Punyavee Rungrueang, 47, were arrested last week over the alleged embezzlement of more than 92 million baht in temple funds.
Pol Maj Gen Phatthanasak said the investigation covered two areas: the alleged embezzlement and financial transactions involving people who may have participated. He said police suspected another one or two people could be involved.
The temple had produced amulets and other religious items for several years, making the income difficult to trace, he said. Some payments were made in cash, complicating efforts to establish their source.
Police could not yet confirm whether proceeds from amulet production went to the foundation or the temple and were awaiting financial records from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), he said.
“The arrest of suspects doesn’t mean police can immediately establish all the details. They still need to verify the evidence, including forensic evidence, and cannot rely solely on allegations or statements from any one person,” he said.
The investigation into the former monk began after authorities received a complaint alleging misconduct on July 15. Police identified two financial trails. The first involved 22 donation receipts worth 2.8 million baht, issued for payments related to the purchase or rental of sacred amulets.