Abbot Refuses to Answer Questions After Nearly 5 Hours of Police Interrogation
An abbot in Ayutthaya province remained silent after nearly five hours of police questioning on September 10, as investigators examine allegations involving temple funds and conduct at Phutthaithaisawan Temple.
At 7:43 p.m. on September 10, police escorted Chetsada Waiyawatkravaed, abbot of Phutthaithaisawan Temple in Ayutthaya province, out of a police building and into a vehicle to return home after nearly five hours of questioning. Reporters attempted to ask him about the matters under police investigation, including whether he was aware of the abbot's alleged conduct, temple fund disbursements, and his emotional state, but Chetsada remained expressionless and did not respond to any questions. When asked by a reporter if he had eaten, he briefly replied "not yet" before falling silent again. Police officers escorting him stated only that Chetsada was questioned as a witness as part of the ongoing investigation, and asked the media to await a full press briefing the following day while allowing the investigation to proceed.
