DSI finds first clue in monk's case
The Department of Special Investigation yesterday found the first clue in its hunt for the eight tonnes of gold bars and ornaments that were allegedly donated to Wirapol Sukpol during his time as a monk. The clue was found in a gold shop in Ubon Ratchatha
Quoting the owner of Song Charoen Gold Shop, a senior DSI official said the former monk – known as Luang Pu Nenkham – had sold gold ornaments to her through his relatives on several occasions.
The shop owner Kesinee Obomkul, who also owns a housing estate in Muang district, said Wirapol had bought three houses from her but only paid for one.
DSI official Angsukate Wisutwatthanasak said the home that Wirapol had paid for in the Phet Phailin estate would be seized if it was found to have been bought by money donated to him for charitable purposes.
Angsukate also quoted Kesinee as saying that Wirapol did not pay for the Bt2.8-million house in the form of gold ornaments, though she did not provide details on the amount of gold he sold to her.
Separately, a DSI team visited a used-car dealership and spoke to the owner, who said he had nothing to do with Wirapol’s purchase of luxury cars or the transfer of ownership.
More details about the former monk’s assets keep emerging from either the official investigation led by the police and DSI or via media reports. Most recent reports have mentioned rumours that up to eight tonnes of gold was donated to the former monk for charity.
Meanwhile, a man who claims to be related to Wirapol set fire to his motorcycle in a protest outside the DSI headquarters. He also lodged a complaint against the agency saying the former monk was not being treated fairly. News reports later said that Suphan Khonhin was undergoing treatment for severe depression.
The DSI is waiting for Suphan’s parents to produce documents certifying that he is depressed or he will be charged with causing a disturbance. Suphan is currently in DSI custody.
