Big Joke" announces the closing of the case of deceiving the sale of counterfeit amulets at Wat Khao Chi Chan. Priced from 400 baht per statue, sold to Chinese people together, the price went up to 20,000 baht, more than 130 million baht in assets were seized, more than 20 suspects were arrested and prosecuted by the temple abbot.
Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, Deputy Commissioner of the National Police in conjunction with the National Office of Buddhism And the Office of the Anti-Money Laundering Commission (AMLO) announced the closing of the case of a group of Chinese people renting a temple in the area of Chon Buri Province to deceive and sell amulets to Chinese tours that Currently, the police have arrested a total of 12 Chinese accused selling monks in the temple and extended the arrest warrants for 6 more Chinese.
In addition, the accusation against Phrakhru Wisut Thammanusitsomsak, the abbot of the temple, was charged with being an official of wrongful neglect of duty or Section 157, having sent the case file to the NACC. Ready to arrest Ms. Phayom the maid of the temple in the offense of encouraging officials to act or omit to perform their duties wrongfully In addition, officials also seized more than 100 million baht in assets from the Chinese accused and the properties of the abbot and his relatives. total value over 137 million baht
At the same time, it also found that one of the Chinese accused had made a false report to the district officials. in order for the child to have Thai nationality has filed one additional allegation of making false statements
Pol. Gen. Surachet said that Chinese investors came to rent the temple. along with decorating the temple to look beautiful by paying rent to the temple and brought Thai people to sell sacred objects in the temple It is considered a mutual benefit sharing from the sale of counterfeit amulets that have not been consecrated. Brought to deceive and sell at a high value and is popular among Chinese people. At a cost of only 400 baht per statue, but renting at a high price of 20,000 baht per statue, causing damage to Chinese tourists This behavior is comparable to zero-dollar tours that have returned to play a role in Thailand again. after Thailand opens tourism in the country
It also found that the movement brought a card swipe machine that could transfer money to China as soon as a purchase was made. By the way, the Royal Thai Police will integrate with the Office of Buddhism and the AMLO to monitor the financial routes of this network. especially the abbot of Khao Chi Chan and all relatives
In the past, the police and related agencies jointly inspected 14 temples involved in such offenses in Chonburi Province, with 4 temples found to be selling sacred objects. But it is sold by the measure itself. Not related to the Chinese capitalist, the other 10 temples did not find any sacred objects for sale.
Col. Danphrai Kaewwell, deputy commander of the Immigration Bureau's investigation, stated that this incident occurred from January to May 2023, for a total of 6 months. Measured by a Chinese company with a Thai wife. and has registered the establishment of the company By informing that he operates a restaurant but came back to sell sacred objects Found more than 100 million baht in turnover in the company's account and paid rent at a price of 150,000 baht per month.
In addition, the prosecution was filed against the abbot of Khao Chee Chan Temple. In an offense under section 157 and the case file has been sent to the NACC. From now on, the police will also extend the effect to the mother and brother of the abbot. It was found that there were about 29 million baht in assets, while the temple's property account. From the inspection, it was found that there were only 3 million baht left.
On the side of Mr. Inthaphon Chan-iam, Acting Director of the Office of Buddhism, said that now the inspection results have been extended to the area of Chon Buri Province by inspecting temples where sacred objects are sold. which must be in accordance with the conditions of the Bureau of Buddhism that can allow people to rent space in the temple The temple has the authority to consider by itself in the terms of the 3-year lease agreement. If the lease agreement exceeds the specified 3-year period, it must be submitted to the Buddhist Bureau consider And do not allow foreign capital to rent space. In addition to the temples in Chonburi Province, the Bureau of Buddhism It is also preparing to expand the search results of temples in various tourist provinces such as Phuket as it is a tourist province with many tourists.
As for the monks of Wat Khao Chee Chan and the abbot, a committee will be set up to inspect. Which must wait for the criminal process to complete the investigation before proceeding
A representative from AMLO said that at present, two offenses have been found: defrauding the public and Section 157. Persons involved must be inspected to see if money has been received from the offence. and money transfer without reasonable cause related to money laundering laws If a financial route is found to lead to anyone, all assets will be confiscated for further investigation and legal action.-Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency