The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday forwarded the case to public prosecutors although they did not present the charges to Phra Dhammachayo, who claims to be too sick to leave the Dhammakaya Temple, where he is abbot.

Another suspect, Sasithorn Chokprasit, has reportedly fled overseas already.

Showing up before public prosecutors were Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative’s former vice president, Thongpin Kanlorm, and the cooperative’s former finance officer, Saranya Manmad.

The other suspect is the cooperative’s former chief, Supachai Srisupa-aksorn, who has already been convicted and jailed in a related case.

Phra Dhammachayo has been implicated in a massive embezzlement case related to the cooperative, with the DSI finding evidence that the controversial abbot and his foundation received more than Bt1.4 billion in cheques from Supachai.

The DSI has pursued money-laundering charges against Supachai, Saranya and Thongpin, while Phra Dhammachayo and Sasithorn are accused of money laundering and receiving ill-gotten gains. If convicted of both offences, the last two could face up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of Bt200,000.

Office of the Attorney-General spokesman Lieutenant Somnuk Siangkong said Attorney-General Pol Second Lieutenant Pongniwat Yuthapanboriparn had instructed the office’s Department of Special Litigation to expedite the case.

The department has already set up a five-member panel to handle the case.

The department’s deputy chief, Chartpong Chirabandhu, who chairs the panel, said the DSI still has a duty to bring the accused before public prosecutors if the case proceeds.

DSI officials plan to meet with the Pathum Thani province’s senior monk today to follow up on plans to arrange the surrender of Phra Dhammachayo. Dhammakaya Temple is located in Pathum Thani.