Dhammakaya deputy abbot accused of using temple funds for share trading
Dhammakaya Temple deputy abbot Phra Thatthacheevo used temple funds to trade in stocks according to available evidence, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has alleged.
Pol Pakorn Sucheevakun, who heads the DSI Bureau of Financial and Banking Crime, said on Wednesday that Phra Thattacheevo might be charged with abuse of authority under Article 157 of the Criminal Code because a deputy abbot could be seen as an official.
“He has used money from the temple’s bank account for buying stocks,” Pakorn said, “There’s clear evidence.”
Phra Thattacheevo is now an acting abbot.
He was elevated to the post after authorities stepped up efforts to bring the temple’s controversial former abbot Phra Dhammachayo to justice. Phra Dhammachayo – wanted for alleged money laundering – was appointed the honorary abbot.
After becoming the top monk at the Dhammakaya Temple, Phra Thattacheevo has himself faced several legal proceedings.
Phra Thatthacheevo turned himself in at the Pathum Thani Klong 5 Police Station to hear a charge of resisting a junta order. Phra Dhammachayo, meanwhile, remains at large.