
DSI deputy chief Pol Lieutenant Pong-in Intharakhao said the Office of the Attorney-General had sent an extradition request to US authorities at the DSI’s request last year but the matter was under consideration. He said the request stated that Wirapol was facing charges including public fraud, computer crime, and statutory rape of a minor under 15.
Pong-in’s comment followed reports in Thai social media that Wirapol, the former abbot of Khantitham monastery in the Northeastern province of Si Sa Ket, claimed to have been granted refugee status and planned to establish a new cult in the US.