The court authorized the detention of “Thid Choti” and “Si Ka Ae,” denying their bail requests, citing the high penalties involved and concerns they might tamper with evidence. They were immediately taken into custody.
On 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters stated that the central investigation police brought Mr. Atichoti, known as “Thid Choti,” the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, and Ms. Punyavee, known as “Si Ka Ae,” a close associate, to the Central 1 Anti-Corruption Court in Saraburi Province. This followed questioning and evidence collection related to charges of embezzling temple funds and money laundering, with reported damages exceeding 92 million baht.
At 14:30, police vehicles from the Crime Suppression Division arrived at the Central 1 Anti-Corruption Court in Saraburi with Mr. Atichoti and Ms. Punyavee. The vehicles parked at the rear, and the two suspects were brought inside without allowing reporters to take any photos.
The Central 1 Anti-Corruption Court recently ordered the initial detention of both suspects for 12 days, from 11 to 23 Sep 2026 GMT+7. The court considered that the suspects, named in arrest warrants, were accused of money laundering and other serious offenses requiring investigation into financial trails and associated parties. Believing there was reasonable cause that releasing them temporarily might lead to interference with evidence, under Criminal Procedure Code Section 108/1 (2), (5), the court approved their detention and denied bail requests.
Subsequently, corrections officers transferred both suspects to Saraburi Provincial Prison for custody in accordance with legal procedures.
