Phra Dhammachayo was believed to be in the Dhammakaya Temple compound, he said. The DSI’s decision whether to apply for a second search warrant for the Pathum Thani temple would be based on the public prosecutor’s decision on August 30 whether to indict the monk, Paisit added.

The DSI attempted to search the temple compound recently but temple followers blocked officers’ efforts.

The first arrest warrant issued against the abbot is related to alleged money-laundering and receiving ill-gotten wealth linked to an embezzlement case. The second warrant, issued by Loei Provincial Court on Monday, is for alleged encroachment on 45 rai (7.2 hectares) of forestland the Phu Pueai Forest Reserve and areas in the Phu Khithao and Phu Rua forests.

The site now hosts the Suan Pa Himawan dhamma centre, which is linked to the Dhammakaya Temple, in Loei’s Phu Rua district.

Dhammakaya Temple dismissed the encroachment allegations on Tuesday and accused those involved of slandering the abbot.