Extradited monk faces fraud, money laundering charges

BANGKOK, July 20 (TNA) – Former monk "Nen Kham", extradited from the US to Thailand faces arrays of charges while a statute of limitations of some charges, related to sex offences have already expired. After arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport last night, Wirapol Sukphol, also known as Nen Kham, was interrogated by officials from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). He denied all charges of child abduction, child molestation, fraud and money laundering and violations of the Computer Crime Act and said he would testify in court. Somnuk Siengkong, spokesman of the Office of the Attorney-General told a press conference this morning that the suspect allegedly committed the crime crime against am underage girl in 2000 and 2001 and the 15-year statute of limitations of sex offences against the underage girl expired last year. However, other charges including fraud, money laundering and violation of the Computer Act will be filed with the court today to seek the court approval for his detention. Prosecutors will oppose any bail request as the suspect could attempt to escape but no bail plea has been filed. Wirapol, former abbot of Khantitham forest monastery in Si Sa Ket fled to the US in 2013 after he was accused of having sex with an under-aged girl. The DSI and the Attorney-General cooperated on an extradition request to the US since last year before the suspect was finally sent from California under the extradition agreement between the US and Thailand. (TNA)