Dhammakaya Temple faces further 15 charges

Combined with 158 previously filed charges, the total number now stands at 173 cases, most of which were for building construction without permission, although the temple claimed the structures in their vast compound were for religious purpose and were exempt from having to seek permission under the Building Act.
Friday afternoon a handful of Muang Tha Khlong Municipality officials put up notices saying “Criminal evidence: do not use, move or damage” at the temple’s buildings, while temple lawyer Thatchanon Pornbaiyok and disciples looked on.
The numerous police complaints were filed against the controversial temple recently as the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and police were poised to carry out a search operation to arrest its fugitive former abbot Phra Dhammachayo. 
The monk is wanted on charges of money laundering and receiving stolen items, linked to an embezzlement case involving the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative, as well as a separate land encroachment case in Nakhon Ratchasima.