On August 6, the Central Investigation Agency of Thailand launched a campaign to inspect 200 pagodas nationwide to search for 181 criminal suspects accused of hiding in the Buddha's gate.
Accordingly, these people are suspected of being involved in corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking, drunk driving and transnational criminal activities.
According to the police, of the 181 suspects, 154 are monks, 1 holds the position of abbot, 27 have returned to their country but still reside in the pagoda. There is no detailed information on the number of arrests so far.
One notable case is Mr. Surat Lungtia, 45 years old, who was arrested while being paid a visit to Wat Wan Boon Pagoda in Pathum Thani Province. He was accused of money laundering for a transnational drug gang, with an accusation of using his personal bank account to receive money from illegal activities. Mr. Surat denied, saying that his account was borrowed and that he did not know it was being used for the wrong purpose.
This search campaign was carried out after a series of scandals related to love and money in the Thai travel industry, which shocked public opinion. The authorities have checked the personal records of about 300,000 monks nationwide to review and eliminate those who took advantage of family registration to commit illegal acts.
In addition, Thailand has also established a special center to receive and handle complaints about wrongdoings of rice cultivation, in order to restore the discipline and prestige of Buddhism in this country.
