The court authorized the detention of "Thid Choti" and "Si Ka Ae," rejecting their bail petition, citing the high penalties involved and concerns they might interfere with evidence. Both were immediately remanded to prison.
On 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that the Central Investigation Police brought Mr. Atichoti, also known as “Thid Choti,” former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, and Ms. Punyavee, nicknamed “Si Ka Ae,” his close associate, to be detained at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 1 in Saraburi Province. This followed investigation and evidence gathering in a case involving embezzlement of temple funds and money laundering, with reported damages exceeding 92 million baht.
At 14:30, the Crime Suppression Division vehicle transporting Mr. Atichoti and Ms. Punyavee arrived at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 1 in Saraburi. The vehicle was parked at the rear, and both suspects were taken inside without allowing reporters to take photographs.
Recently, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 1 ordered the initial detention of both suspects for 12 days, from 11 to 23 Sep 2026 GMT+7. The court noted that both are persons named in arrest warrants and are accused of money laundering and other high-penalty offenses requiring financial investigation and expansion of inquiry into involved parties. There is reasonable belief that if released temporarily, they may tamper with evidence, according to the Criminal Procedure Code, Sections 108/1 (2) and (5). Therefore, the court authorized their detention and denied their bail requests.
Subsequently, correctional officers transferred both suspects to Saraburi Provincial Prison for custody in accordance with legal procedures.
