The Crime Suppression Division commander revealed that the 'Samichot' case may have additional suspects. Financial trails are currently being sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation. The combined assets of the former abbot and Ms. Punyawee total about 215 million baht.
At 10:00 a.m. on 12 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanasak Bubphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, updated on the arrest of Mr. Atichoti Thanprasert, former abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple, and Ms. Punyawee Rungreung, known as Ms. Punyawee. After their arrest, both suspects were brought to the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Court Region 1 for detention. Initially, both denied the charges but admitted that the individuals in the video clips were indeed themselves, which constitutes a violation of monastic discipline requiring appropriate action.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanasak added that the investigation is expanding to trace the financial connections of related individuals. The Crime Suppression Division is coordinating to send the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for examination. It is believed that one or two additional suspects may be identified. Regarding whether the suspect is a nun or a monk, that is still under investigation with evidence being gathered. Authorities are awaiting financial trail information from associates to determine who else may be involved. If anyone cannot explain the source of funds, they will face charges.
Currently, investigators are collecting financial evidence to submit to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for action.
The Crime Suppression Division commander further stated that the assets seized from Mr. Atichoti, the former abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple, amount to 205 million baht. This includes 138,308,986 baht in cash and gold bars and jewelry weighing 1,000 baht in gold, valued at about 70 million baht. As for Ms. Punyawee’s seized assets, they include 3,873,614 baht in cash and 90 baht of gold valued at 6,151,500 baht. Altogether, the total assets seized from both individuals by the police amount to 215,229,847 baht.
Authorities are currently investigating whether there are additional assets beyond those seized, their locations, or if they are held by others, in order to require explanations about the origins of those assets.