DSI believes fugitive monk escaped mid-Feb

BANGKOK, March 11 (TNA) -- Phra Dhammachayo, a fugitive former abbot of Wat Dhammakaya, has probably escaped from his temple between February 16-18 and is likely to stay with his close connection network, said Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang, Director General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Pol Col Paisit said his agency has learned that the fugitive monk had probably escaped from his temple in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Pathum Thani between that period after authorities found that part of the temple wall was broken. The monk was probably assisted by some of his followers during the escape and government officials were not involved in helping him, said Pol Col Paisit. He said DSI officials along with police and army, and the National Office of Buddhism would coordinate with Wat Dhammakaya in searching the temple again in the future if officials suspected there was any irregularity in the temple. Thousands of police and army personnel called off their siege at the temple 23 days after surrounding and searching it. Phra Dhammachayo faces several charges including money laundering is still at large to date. (TNA)