"Big Tor" revealed additional asset seizures connected to "Sami Choti," with total value exceeding 300 million baht. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has been sent financial trail information for investigation. Plans are underway to expand the case into phases 2 and 3. He confirmed no summons have been issued yet for amulet experts or other individuals involved in the case. Tags: [asset seizure, money laundering, police investigation, Anti-Money Laundering Office, Sami Choti, legal proceedings]
At 11:00 a.m. on 15 Sep 2026 GMT+7, at the press room on the 2nd floor of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) headquarters, Police Lieutenant General Nattasak Chaowanasai, Commander of the CIB, disclosed updates on expanding the legal case against Mr. Atichoti Thanprasert, known as "Sami Choti," former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan Royal Monastery, and Ms. Punyavee, nicknamed "Sika Ae," 47 years old. The focus is on irregularities concerning assets and a foundation Mr. Atichoti established earlier this year.
Police Lieutenant General Nattasak said that based on conduct and evidence found by officials, there are suspicions that funds brought into the foundation may be linked to money laundering. Some aspects resemble operations seen at Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu. Authorities will proceed straightforwardly according to the evidence.
Officials have already charged money laundering and forwarded all information to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for detailed financial trail examination. AMLO has broader authority to audit transactions and financial flows. They are currently awaiting additional data to support prosecution of those involved.
The CIB Commander confirmed that police are preparing to expand legal actions in phases 2 and 3, following directions previously outlined by Police Major General Patthanasak Bubphasuwan, head of the Anti-Corruption Division. Recently seized assets include significant bank funds, bringing the total asset value related to the case above 300 million baht.
Regarding rumors that authorities plan to summon amulet experts or others related to the case, Police Lieutenant General Nattasak stated no summons or arrest warrants have been issued yet. However, individuals continue to come forward with information and leads, which investigators are considering based on the evidence.
Concerning the social media mention of "Wat Chulamanee" in Samut Songkhram Province, which has caused public concern, Police Lieutenant General Nattasak said the CIB follows principles of evidence-based investigation. If clear proof emerges, as with the Wat Phutthaisawan case, legal action will proceed immediately. If the matter is still under review without evidence of wrongdoing, police will refrain from releasing information that might affect public faith prematurely.
Furthermore, Police Lieutenant General Nattasak urged society to distinguish between Buddhism, temples, and individual behaviors. Police will focus on criminal cases where wrongdoing is found, especially misappropriation of temple assets. For other temples currently under public scrutiny, no initial evidence of irregularities has been submitted for police review.
Regarding "Wat Pa Phu Phasung" in Noen Sung District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Police Lieutenant General Nattasak said complaints have been received since January. Evidence was gathered and forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in February to proceed with legal steps. Therefore, case details are under the NACC’s jurisdiction.