Probe widens into rogue temples 'siphoning funds'

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been asked to look into five more temples allegedly involved in embezzling 60 million baht from the government's temple maintenance funds, following an initial investigation police say has unearthed strong evidence.

The five temples -- three in Amnat Charoen, one in Ayutthaya and one in Lamphun -- are among 12 temples implicated in the alleged scandal. Last Friday, the police Counter-Corruption Division (CCD) sent its findings on seven of the temples to the NACC.

The 12 temples are part of a wider probe into 30 temples now under investigation by police, deputy CCD chief Pol Col Ekkachak Phengsathon said yesterday, adding his division had set a target to scrutinise 400 temples countrywide. CCD chief Pol Maj Gen Kamol Reanracha declined to release the names of the temples but said they include "famous temples in Bangkok".

Police and the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) are working together to look into the alleged irregularities, after the office, which manages and dispenses money under its maintenance funds to temples, found portions of the money were embezzled.

So far police have charged nine people, including present and former NOB officials, with embezzlement and dereliction of duty, but four of them -- a former state official and three civilians -- have not acknowledged the charges, Pol Col Ekkachak said.

However, "we are 100% confident" that the existing evidence can substantiate the accusation and will be strong enough to warrant further investigation, Pol Col Ekkachak said.

Investigators of the CCD are also preparing to meet today and tomorrow in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district to discuss their plans to expand their investigation. Temples have been urged to offer help to police. Those that have requested money from the fund are recommended to report to the division.

"Don't be afraid of being prosecuted," Pol Maj Gen Kamol said, because investigators primarily do not want to act against temples.