Bangkok: Hundreds of police reinforcements have been deployed to Thailand's largest temple, where worshippers and monks are vowing to prevent the arrest of a prominent monk wanted on embezzlement charges.

Tensions are high at the 400-hectare Dhammakaya temple complex on the outskirts of Bangkok, where an operation has been underway for days to arrest 72-year-old that Phra Dhammajayo, the temple's former abbot.

Monks protest against the attempted arrest of 72-year-old monk Phra Dhammajayo, the temple’s former abbot. Credit:AP

However Phra Thammasak Jaruthammo, a monk who has lived at the temple for 30 years, told reporters that Phra Dhammajayo fled the temple last Thursday without being seen by police and is hiding nearby because he is too unwell to travel.

Thousands of worshippers broke through official barricades and formed a human shield with monks at the temple on Sunday.