Thai House Committee Urges AMLO to Investigate 215 Million Baht Temple Fund Misuse

Mr. Phitakdet Detdecho, Chairman of the House Committee on Money Laundering Prevention and Suppression and Member of Parliament for Nakhon Si Thammarat Province representing the Democrat Party, announced that the committee is preparing to discuss the case involving the financial transactions related to Wat Phutthaisawan. This discussion aims to ascertain the facts and track the progress of relevant agencies within their mandated authority. Reports indicate that the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has gathered information and evidence concerning donation funds, amulet sales, and temple restoration funds totaling over 215 million baht. This information has been submitted to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for an investigation into the financial flow. The AMLO is currently examining the transaction trails and is also looking into potentially involved individuals. Mr. Phitakdet stated that this case critically involves financial flows, transfers, and asset ownership. He emphasized that the committee's purview directly includes examining whether these transactions or assets are linked to offenses under the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering Act. Furthermore, the committee's deliberations will focus on monitoring the financial investigation process, extending inquiries to related parties, tracking and freezing assets derived from illegal activities, and listening to the challenges and obstacles faced by officials in enforcing the law. He affirmed that the committee would not interfere with ongoing legal proceedings or judicial determinations of guilt, which fall under the jurisdiction of the justice system. "This case involves a substantial amount of money under investigation and is a matter of significant public and societal interest. Therefore, the committee deems it necessary to track the progress of the financial investigation and the implementation of anti-money laundering laws. We need to know where the funds and assets have gone, to whom, and if any assets related to illegal activities are identified, whether the responsible agencies have taken comprehensive and effective legal measures," Mr. Phitakdet commented. The Chairman concluded by stating that the matter will be brought before the committee for an official briefing from the relevant agencies to ensure efficient and transparent proceedings, leading to the recovery of assets connected to the offenses in accordance with legal procedures. Source: INN News