Police Probe Foundation's Money Trail in Abbots Fraud Case

Police are accelerating their investigation into a foundation set up by Atichoti Tanprasert, a former abbot of Phutthaithaiswry Temple in Ayutthaya province, after discovering it was established only at the start of this year. Deputy National Police Chief Pattanasak Bubphasuwanna said initial findings show the foundation may have been used to launder money, with characteristics similar to operations at Phra Bat Nam Phu temple. Police are still determining the true intent behind the foundation's establishment and whether other directors are involved. Authorities are coordinating with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to obtain complete financial records, tracking all funds flowing in and out, to identify the clear money trail. The investigation into revenue from temple amulets, charms, and sacred objects has proven difficult because some payments were made in cash or transferred without clear documentation, making it hard to determine whether funds were donations, amulet-rental income, or from other sources. When asked whether money from amulet and charm production flowed into the foundation or temple accounts, Pattanasak said police cannot yet answer as they have only recently seized evidence and are awaiting financial data from the Anti-Money Laundering Office. He noted that police currently see only numbers but cannot yet trace where the money came from or where it went, requiring time to analyze the complete financial pathway. Even with a suspect in custody, full details are not immediately available and evidence must be verified rather than relying solely on confessions or statements.