DSI continues hunting for fugitive monk

BANGKOK, March 11 (TNA) -- Despite the failed search and arrest of a fugitive former abbot of a controversial Buddhist temple near Bangkok, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will continue hunting for him, said a senior official of Justice Ministry. Deputy permanent secretary for Justice Tawatchai Thaikyo said Justice Minister Suwapan Tanyuwattana was informed of the latest development on Friday on the search by combined government forces for former abbot Phra Dhammachayo of Wat Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani, near Bangkok. The 23-day siege by thousands of police and army personnel of the temple was met with futile as they could not find fugitive Phra Dhammachayo who is wanted for money laundering and several other charges. Mr Tawatchai said DSI special task force unit would seriously continue hunting for fugitive monk and DSI would enforce law on those arrested monks and followers of the temple. The gathering of monks and followers at the market, near the temple, must end immediately after the government search ended Friday, he said. (TNA)