Monks and followers scuffle with police at Wat Phra Dhammakaya

BANGKOK, Feb 21 (TNA) -- Monks and followers scuffle with police while they try to exit Wat Phra Dhammakaya which was under police siege in order to apprehend former abbot Phra Dhammachayo, who has been charged with money laundering and several other offenses. As followers of Wat Dhammakaya marched to an entrance blocked by police cordons Monday morning occurred resulting in minor injuries among security officers who later filed complaints with police. Since Thursday, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) who led the operation has been carrying out a government’s special order to arrest the the 72-year-old fugitive and controversial monk who was last seen inside the massive compound many months ago. His whereabouts is unknown with some speculate he has fled the temple when police tried to arrest him last year. New order was issued for 14 monks of the temple to summon with DSI officer. But they apparently defy the order. A temple spokesman said the clash was triggered by some followers who misunderstood. However the temple insisted that the siege was unnecessary, calling the government to end the order. Government Spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Keaokamnerd said the government had instructed officers to strictly enforce the law but avoid violent clashes. He urged followers not to become human shield by blocking officers. Some media reports suggest that authorities consider cutting off electricity and water supplies to Wat Dhammakaya, but DSI officers deny the report. Thousands of police crowd control units are troops are dispatched at Wat Dhammakaya. However, there are no signs they will succeed although they, unlike previous attempts, are able to enter the temple. After the former abbot was formally charged in June last year, he refused to report to police claiming he was too ill. When officers initiated search attempts, thousands of followers and monks blocked officers from entering the compound. (TNA)