Monk, Previously in Exile, Faces Embezzlement Accusations in Bangkok Temple
Breaking News: Exiled Monk Phra Prommethi Faces Embezzlement Charges
In shocking news, former abbot Phra Chamnong Thammajari, who was once at the helm of Wat Samphanthawongsaram Worawihan in Bangkok, has journeyed back from Germany to confront serious embezzlement allegations tied to an infamous temple fund scandal that sent tremors through Thailand's Buddhist establishment.
Phra Chamnong Thammajari at Suvarnabhumi Airport
On Thursday morning, Phra Chamnong Thammajari, previously known as Phra Prommethi, made his way to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Traveling from Frankfurt, he touched down at 6:30 a.m. and was met by officials. Despite his arrival on a wheelchair, his return led to investigations by the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD).
After questioning, the Anti-Corruption Division granted Phra Prommethi temporary release on a 400,000 baht cash bail. Authorities believed he posed no threat to the investigation, as a senior monk with no intention of interfering in the proceedings.
As expected, Phra Prommethi pleaded not guilty and submitted a request to submit a written statement at a later date instead of enduring a verbal interrogation.
Accusations of Embezzlement
Accusations against Phra Prommethi stem from a high-profile temple development fund scandal that broke seven years ago. The allegations involve a supposed collaboration between senior monks, officials from the Office of National Buddhism (ONB), and private individuals, aiming to embezzle millions of baht from funds intended for temple development.
Phra Prommethi is one of seven senior monks implicated in 2018. Ever since, the announcement of fresh arrests has added strains to public trust in the monastic establishment.
Historical Background
The investigation was ignited by the abbot of Wat Huay Ta Klaew in Phetchaburi, who filed a complaint with the ACD. In it, he exposed a kickback scheme that led the case to be dubbed "Ngern Thon Wat", or "Temple's Change."
The team's initial arrests in 2017-2018 detained 10 suspects, including senior ONB officials and civilians. They were accused of swindling 60 million baht from 12 temples between 2012 and 2016.
The second wave of detentions involved 19 suspects, including three ONB officials and two civilians, who were accused of misappropriating 141 million baht from 23 temples. Their misdeeds targeted funds for temple restoration, Buddhist missionary work, and monastic education.
Phra Prommethi, along with six other senior monks, faced charges during the third round of investigations, focusing on Wat Samphanthawongsaram, Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan, and Wat Sam Phraya. Similar to the earlier phases of the investigation, they are accused of working with ONB officials and civilians to misuse temple development funds.
Implicated Monks
The other senior monks accused in this case are:
- Phra Promsitthi (Wat Saket)
- Phra Promdilok (Wat Sam Phraya)
- Phra Rat Upasenaporn (Wat Saket)
- Phra Ratchakijjaporn (Wat Saket)
- Phra Atthakijsophon (Wat Sam Phraya)
- Phra Sikunaorn (Wat Saket)
Upon the charges, His Majesty the King issued a royal command to strip all seven men of their high-ranking monastic titles.
fleeing to Germany and Return for Justice
Phra Prommethi decamped to Germany after being charged. After unsuccessful negotiations for his extradition, he remained abroad for years.
Phra Prommethi's return signifies his intention to clear his name in court. This is an intriguing developments in a story that continues to stir public interest.
Tags: #Bangkok #Temples #Embezzlement #ThaiBuddhism #OfficeofNationalBuddhism #Germany
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- Investigations by the Anti-Corruption Division were prompted after Phra Prommethi, the exiled monk facing embezzlement charges, returned from Germany at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
- In addition to Phra Prommethi, six other senior monks, including Phra Promsitthi, Phra Promdilok, Phra Rat Upasenaporn, Phra Ratchakijjaporn, Phra Atthakijsophon, and Phra Sikunaorn, are also implicated in the temple development fund scandal that has shaken Thailand's Buddhist establishment.
- The embezzlement allegations against Phra Prommethi highlight the need for increased transparency and accountability in the management of temple funds, which is a matter of concern not only in Thailand's general-news realm but also in the international arena.
- The temple's change scandal has also affected Thailand's economy and finance, as millions of baht intended for temple development, restoration, and monastic education were misappropriated.
- As the trial of Phra Prommethi unfolds, the political landscape in Thailand may experience further shifts, with potential impacts on education, business, and crime-and-justice sectors, as well as the country's relations with foreign governments and international organizations.
