The followers sat close to each other, leaving almost no open space in the temple yard.

A barrier was set up between the area where the followers sat and another area designated for journalists to observe the activity inside the temple. The temple perimeter was also heavily guarded by temple staff dressed in white and wearing blue armbands.

Despite the rain in the morning, the followers sat on the wet ground and meditated. Occasionally, a speaker on the temple public address system made encouraging speeches to boost their morale while urging the followers to be patient, and chant with the speaker: “We believe in the abbot’s innocence.”

Reporters were forbidden from interviewing or even speaking to the temple devotees. However, The Nation managed to speak to some of the followers outside the temple.

Sompong, a 57-year-old from Nonthaburi who did not want to disclose her surname, said she came to the temple because she wanted to show her support to Phra Dhammachayo, who faces charges of money laundering and receiving ill-gotten gains.

“I have no doubt that the abbot is innocent and he will pass this difficulty without any harm. I am sure that he did nothing wrong, because every monk will have to accept whatever the people donate to him,” Sompong said.

She disclosed that all members of her household had come with her to the temple, adding that her family members are all loyal devotees of the temple and always made merit at the temple when they had a chance.

‘Full faith in the abbot’

Another follower, who only wanted to be identified as Aunt Pen, also swore that the abbot was not guilty.

“The abbot and the temple did not harm anyone. He did not interfere in politics. Why does the DSI want to arrest him? I live near this temple and I visit the temple almost every day, so I know that,” she said. “People who often make merit and go to the temple will have less sin and hence go to heaven, but those who make these libellous accusations against the abbot will not end well,” she warned.

Around 1pm, the temple and a DSI team addressed the media about the DSI operation, but after the press conference the DSI team and local authorities left the temple immediately. The temple staff told the media to move away from the temple area as well.

When journalists left the temple area, the main gate was closed, while the followers still sat inside the temple.

Media outlets went all out to cover the story. Drones belonging to the DSI and media outlets flew over the temple to take pictures and gather data. About a dozen police officers patrolled the area outside the temple’s main gate and also managed the traffic, as there were many cars headed to the temple. There were police checkpoints on both sides of Klong Luang Road in front of the temple.