Chronology of failed raid Thursday

2.30am – Soldiers set up checkpoints around the temple, barring entry to people not related to the authorities’ operation. 
3.30am – Police arrive at the temple. Other police units are put on standby at the nearby Border Patrol Police Region 1. 
5am – Police post announcements regarding alleged offences committed by temple staff and its honorary abbot, Phra Dhammachayo, at Gates 5 and 6. Masked temple followers are seen observing and taking pictures of officials.
6am – More police are stationed at gates 5, 6, 7 and 8. Roads around the temple are closed to traffic. 
6.30am – Police and soldiers control gates 5 and 6. People are allowed to leave the temple but no one is allowed to enter, which upsets some temple followers. Prayers inside the Dhammakaya Temple start peacefully. 
7am – Monks returning from morning alms are barred from entering the temple. Their followers argue with officials but the altercation ends peacefully. The temple’s radio broadcast announces that authorities should not restrict people’s right to practise Dhamma.
7.30am – Department of Special Investigation (DSI) deputy chief Pol Lt-Colonel Suriya Singhakamon and his team enter the temple to begin negotiations. 
7.40am – Negotiations between the DSI and the temple begin. 
11.30am –Temple staff agree to let the DSI search the temple.
1.15pm – The DSI cuts the chains at the temple’s Gate 1.
1.20pm – The gates are open and officials enter without resistance. 
1.50pm – Resistance builds as the DSI enters Gate 8 to search a building close to the Chan Khonnokyoong Memorial Hall. 
3.50pm – DSI officials leave the temple empty-handed, saying they had not found Phra Dhammachayo. 
5.30pm – The DSI announces that they have finished searching the entire Zone A and parts of Zone C at the temple. 

*** The operation is being conducted under a search warrant that is valid for 10 days. The area remains designated a special control zone to facilitate the search.