Phra Dhammachayo has refused to meet with DSI officers to face charges of embezzling money from the Bangkok-based Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative.

The abbot has reportedly asked DSI officers to meet him at his temple in Pathum Thani province.

DSI deputy director-general Pol Lt-Colonel Somboon Sarasit said a team has been set up to investigate the abbot’s medical certificate, issued under the name of a hospital in Ratchaburi province.

The team will also look into regulations involving use of stamps in the certificate, Somboon said, adding that the doctor who signed the document will be summoned to give information to the DSI.

The deputy director-general spoke after chairing a meeting concerning the case. He said another team would investigate whether the temple’s series of press conferences, in which temple representatives criticised his office, could be considered contempt of court.

The DSI plans to take legal action against the abbot if the monk fails to report to the department by Thursday – a deadline specified by an arrest warrant issued last week.

Somboon said the DSI would not oppose a bail request if the abbot surrenders before the deadline. He said his office realises that the monk is sick but believes he is able to travel out of the temple to meet DSI officers.

Referring to reports that the temple has invited the DSI to file the charges at the temple on Wednesday, Somboon said the DSI had not received any such invitation. He said that according to regulations, filing the charges has to be done at DSI offices.

In response to a question asking if Phra Dhammachayo would have to leave the monkhood if he is charged, Somboon replied that the abbot would only be defrocked if he was detained.

“If he is granted bail, he would not have to leave the monkhood,” Somboon said.