DSI clarifies stance on case of missing ex-abbotThe Department of Special Investigation (DSI) clarified its handling of the case involving Phra Dhammajayo, former abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, following a decision by prosecutors to scrap it after the statute of limitations expired. The clarification came in response to reports on social media claiming prosecutors had instructed the DSI to drop legal proceedings against the former abbot. Subsequent investigations found Phra Dhammajayo and associated individuals had received transfers from the cooperative totalling about 1.458 billion baht. The DSI said it split the matter into a special case and, after completing its investigation, recommended the indictment of five suspects, including Phra Dhammajayo, before forwarding the case to prosecutors for proceedings. However, Phra Dhammajayo failed to turn himself in to face the charges and was deemed to have fled.

Source: Bangkok Post March 29, 2026 22:41 UTC