The Crime Suppression Division has summoned “Pong Suphan,” a prominent senior amulet expert, to provide clarification regarding the Wat Phutthaisawan Foundation after he was found to be one of its board members.
Following the arrest of Mr. Atichot Thangprasert, also known as the former abbot Chot of Wat Phutthaisawan, and Ms. Punyavee Rungruang, a close female devotee known as Sika Ae, for jointly embezzling temple funds, as previously reported,
On 20 Sep 2023 GMT+7, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanasak Bupphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, revealed that after obtaining financial transaction data from Wat Phutthaisawan, investigators forwarded all the financial documents to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for examination to determine involved parties. AMLO has returned some of the analysis results, and the investigative team is currently reviewing this information.
Reports indicate that after Mr. Atichot, the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, was arrested and his conduct investigated, it was discovered that he had established the Hwan Chot Foundation, appointing himself as chairman with a total of six board members. So far, investigators have summoned five of these board members, who have provided useful information to the case.
The last board member identified by police is Mr. Samer Ngiu-ngam, known as “Pong Suphan,” a famous senior amulet expert in the field. He was found to be part of the board. The Crime Suppression Division has issued a summons for him to meet investigators and provide details about the Hwan Chot Foundation on 22 Sep 2023 GMT+7.
Pong Suphan has had close ties to Wat Phutthaisawan since the creation of the “Nuea Duang” amulet. Later, Mr. Atichot, the former abbot, invited him to join the board. Financial investigations, including seized assets and transactions sent to AMLO, have so far found no evidence of irregular financial links involving Pong Suphan.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the Hwan Chot Foundation, established by Mr. Atichot, to determine its true purpose—whether it was formed for legitimate reasons or as a vehicle for money laundering from donation funds.