Witnesses Grilled in Phra Alongkot's Financial Debacle

Strategic Insights -

Actors, comedians, and musicians have joined the list of witnesses set to be questioned in the ongoing investigation into the financial dealings of Phra Alongkot, the former abbot of Phrabat Namphu Temple in Lop Buri. The investigation, led by Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat Pankaeo, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), aims to unravel a complex web of alleged money laundering and illicit financial transfers. Key figures, including a member of a well-known vintage orchestra, have come forward with documents and information regarding payments made to the band for performances at the temple. These payments, estimated to be between 400,000 and 500,000 baht per performance, are believed to have originated from individuals close to Phra Alongkot rather than through temple accounts.

Key Takeaways:

  • A member of a well-known vintage orchestra has contacted investigators, offering documents and details about payments allegedly made for musical performances at Phrabat Namphu Temple, valued at 400,000-500,000 baht each time.
  • Payments are believed to have originated from individuals close to Phra Alongkot rather than through temple accounts, suggesting potential money laundering and illicit financial transfers.
  • Preliminary findings indicate some temple donations were diverted into personal accounts through donation boxes managed under a revenue-sharing arrangement, possibly splitting the total 70/30 or other ratios.
  • The former abbot, Phra Alongkot, had an interest in property dealings, instructing associates to buy and sell land on his behalf, with profits later being funneled back to him.
  • Seized cash and land deeds have been forwarded to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) for examination.
  • Phra Alongkot and his close aide, Seksan Sapsubbsakul (Mor Bee), remain in custody.
  • Investigators are awaiting bank statements and other financial records to confirm whether payments were linked to genuine musical performances or served as a conduit for illicit money transfers.
  • The transactions are believed to have taken place over more than a decade.
  • Celebrities, entertainers, and a former director of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) will soon be summoned to give testimony.
  • Further checks have revealed the former abbot's associates buying and selling land on his behalf, with profits being funnelled back to him.

Statistics:

  • Estimated payments made to the band for performances at the temple: 400,000-500,000 baht each time.
  • Duration of alleged money laundering and illicit financial transactions: over a decade.
  • Percentage of donations diverted into personal accounts: 70/30 or other ratios.
  • Number of individuals close to Phra Alongkot involved in property dealings: unknown.
  • Number of land deeds seized: unknown.
  • Amount of cash seized: unknown.

Sources:

  • Pol Maj Gen Jruykiat Pankaeo, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)
  • Pol Col Anek Taosupap, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division
  • "Phra Alongkot's Financial Debacle Deepens: Witnesses to be Grilled", The Bangkok Post