The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) clarified it has ended criminal proceedings against Phra Dhammachayo but confirmed ongoing coordination to arrest the suspect both domestically and internationally. This does not affect civil cases. Meanwhile, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) continues to seize and freeze assets of Dhammakaya Temple to return 1.458 billion baht to the victims of the fraud.
On 27 Mar 2016 GMT+7, the Department of Special Investigation issued a statement regarding the Khlongchan Credit Union Cooperative money laundering case, which had reached the Supreme Court. Arrest warrants for fleeing suspects have been continuously issued and enforced until the statute of limitations expired. The public prosecutor ordered the termination of the case. The DSI clarified that, following reports on various social media platforms about the public prosecutor’s letter directing the DSI to cease proceedings against former abbot Phra Dhammachayo of Dhammakaya Temple,
the DSI investigated the facts concerning the news and stated that this case originated in 2013 when the DSI received a criminal case involving allegations of corruption at the Khlongchan Credit Union Cooperative. The events occurred between 2009 and 2011 and were treated as a special case. The DSI prosecuted Mr. Supachai Srisupakorn, the chairman and manager of the cooperative, along with related suspects, for offenses under the Criminal Code, including fraud against the public, which caused cooperative members losses exceeding 13 billion baht.
Further investigations revealed financial trails indicating that Phra Dhammachayo and associates had improperly received transfers from the cooperative totaling approximately 1.458 billion baht. The DSI separated this matter into Special Case No. 27/2016. The investigation concluded with recommendations to prosecute five suspects, submitting the case to the Special Case Prosecutor's Office for court filing. Among them was Phra Dhammachayo, who failed to present himself to investigators and was considered a fugitive. Consequently, the DSI petitioned the Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant and assigned the Investigation and Intelligence Center to track and coordinate with the Royal Thai Police for domestic arrest efforts. They also collaborated with Interpol to issue a Red Notice for international pursuit.
Regarding Mr. Supachai and others charged with money laundering and prosecuted in court, the Supreme Court has definitively ruled them guilty. On the civil side, Dhammakaya Temple has already returned 1.458 billion baht to the Khlongchan Credit Union Cooperative for the victims. Because the offenses occurred between 2009 and 2011, the 15-year statute of limitations under Criminal Code Section 95 for money laundering applies. The prosecutor determined that for suspects who fled, the criminal prosecution rights have expired due to the statute of limitations and thus informed the DSI to terminate proceedings accordingly.
The DSI reaffirmed its continuous coordination in tracking and arresting suspects with outstanding warrants both domestically and internationally. The prosecutor’s decision complies with the law. Meanwhile, regarding civil measures involving assets under the responsibility of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), asset seizures and freezes continue. The matter is currently before the court to consider returning assets to the cooperative as the victim.