Police Set to Return Temple Property, Unfreeze 71 Million Baht

Authorities are preparing to return a former abbot's dwelling to the monastic community and lift a freeze on temple bank accounts holding approximately 71 million baht, after a financial audit found no connection to the investigation. On September 16, reporters at Wat Phutthai Sawan in Ayutthaya Province documented normal visitor and tourist traffic throughout the day, with devotees paying respects to Luang Por Dam, the principal buddha image in the ordination hall. Three local police officers were stationed to maintain security. The dwelling area beside the ordination hall, which belonged to the former abbot, remained sealed off with a strict prohibition on public entry. Evidence specialists were seen moving in and out throughout the day carrying equipment for documenting assets and records, including currency counters. Police investigators are cataloguing property, documents, and items within the dwelling to prepare a complete handover to the monastic community, working alongside provincial religious authorities to ensure the process follows proper procedure. Officials are also preparing to unfreeze the temple's bank accounts, which contain approximately 71 million baht. A preliminary audit of financial transactions and account activity found no irregularities related to the subjects of the investigation, and the process to clear the accounts is underway. The broader investigation remains ongoing, with officers still reviewing evidence and following leads on other individuals who may be connected to aspects of the case. Authorities are gathering additional evidence and verifying facts before proceeding with further legal steps. Phrappiphatthanakitwidhaan, abbot of Wat Tha Kalong and deputy head of the monastic community in Ayutthaya Province and acting abbot of Wat Phutthai Sawan, stated that the monastic community is cooperating with police in surveying and documenting the temple's assets. The examination of physical evidence remains the responsibility of police investigators, which is still underway. He noted that cataloguing the valuables and property inside the dwelling will require additional time. He deferred detailed commentary on the case to police officials.