1. In reference to the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) case where 878 checks had been withdrawn which led to the problems related to their financial operations, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) started with special case no. 146/2556, which they had submitted to the prosecutor with Phrathepyanmahamuni as a suspect. By law, once the findings by the DSI officials are submitted to the prosecutor, the authority to evaluate, or to further investigate, rests in the hands of the prosecutor. DSI officials are not permitted to investigate further and charge an additional individual using the same findings at this stage according to criminal code 141-143.
2. Later, the prosecutor requested that DSI officials obtain additional evidence related to the money trail for the 878 checks. DSI officials have already questioned Phrathepyanmahamuni about his role as a recipient of the 10 checks from the Credit Union as authorized by Mr. Supachai. DSI officials then submitted their additional findings related to special case no. 146/2556 on the 29th of October 2015, and recommended the prosecutor bring charges of money laundering and accepting stolen goods against Phrathepyanmahamuni.
3. The lead prosecutor reviewed case no. 146/2556 on the 29th of January 2016, without charging Phrathepyanmahamuni. If evidence emerged showing there were individuals who conspired to engage in this crime, then investigative officials were permitted to proceed with the case in accordance with the law.
4. On the 18th of February 2016, DSI officials released a public statement that they would charge Phrathepyanmahamuni for accepting stolen property. The attorney representing Phrathepyanmahamuni filed a letter to the prosecutor asking if DSI officials were authorized to bring this additional charge. The prosecutor stated that DSI officials will have to obtain additional evidence and submit these findings to the prosecutor first. DSI officials cannot legally construct a new case on their own.
5. The attorney, who was given Power of Attorney by Phrathepyanmahamuni, submitted documentation with responses from the Lead Prosecutor, to the Director-General of DSI on the 18th of February 2016.
6. Mr. Thammanoon Attachoti filed a complaint against Phrathepyanamahamuni alleging he was an accomplice in laundering money and accepting stolen property in March 2016, which led DSI officials to open special case No. 27/2559. DSI officials then issued a summons on the 29th of March for Phrathepyanmahamuni to appear as the accused in conspiring to launder money and accept stolen property, which may be considered a misuse of authority (according to Judgement No. 9/2481).
7. On the 16th of May 2016, Mr. Pathajak Thepsorn, a supporter of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, filed a complaint to the Office on Anti-Corruption Commission that DSI officials in special case no. 27/2557 had performed their duties dishonestly. They had broken Criminal Code Article 157 Sections 200, 83, and 86. He also filed a complaint against Mr. Thammanoon Attachoti as being the person behind these illegal activities.
8. The investigation carried out by DSI officials for special case no. 27/2559 is unjust on many accounts; for example, They rapidly opened a new case and subsequently issued a summons for the accused. Phrathepyanmahamuni had requested a postponement due to illness, with a medical certificate from clinic-based and public hospital-based physicians as supporting documentation. However, DSI officials did not permit the postponement and did not assign a physician from the government sector to examine his health, as to whether he is indeed ill or not. Instead, they immediately sought an arrest warrant from the court.
9. Supporters and followers of Wat Phra Dhammakaya question the basis of special case no. 27/2559 by the Department of Special Investigation and believe that it was illegal to begin with. Thus, the judicial process was not carried out in a fair and honest manner. This is akin to buttoning up the first button on a shirt in the wrong position. The rest will be in the wrong position as well. Supporters and followers would like to bring attention to every illegal action committed by each person involved with this case, in an attempt to prevent authorities from abusing their power. They should act justly, and in accordance with the law, in order to set proper standards for the rest of society.
Mr. Ongart Thammanita
Spokesperson, Followers and Supporters of Wat Phra Dhammakaya
17 May 2559 (2016)
