Authorities say the large-scale blockade is needed to facilitate a peaceful search of the sprawling temple complex, which covers more than 2,100 rai in Pathum Thani. Last year, attempts by the police and Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to gain entry failed due to strong resistance from the temple’s followers.

The authorities are searching for the wealthy temple’s former abbot Phra Dhammachayo, who is wanted on money-laundering charges arising from an embezzlement case. A follower of Phra Dhammachayo, former Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative chairman Supachai Srisupa-aksorn, is serving a 16-year jail term for embezzling billions of baht from the cooperative. Before his arrest, Supachai donated over Bt900 million to the then-abbot.

In November, public prosecutors indicted the 72-year-old charismatic monk plus Supachai and three other suspects on charges of money laundering, conspiracy to launder money, and receiving stolen assets. Dhammachayo is the only suspect who has not yet turned himself over to police.

The senior monk had been beset by religious controversy, accused of distorting the original teachings of Lord Buddha and deceiving followers into donating large amounts of money in return for promises of better lives. However, those allegations did little to dent the sect’s appeal, with the congregation still swelling and donations continuing to pour in.

Authorities then discovered evidence linking Dhammachayo to the embezzlement case, prompting repeated attempts to arrest the monk.

The ramifications extend far beyond one monk, however. A popular perception is that if Dhammachayo flees his stronghold, the faith inspired by his religious empire could collapse.

The latest attempt at his arrest is the most decisive and forceful so far. This time around, the authorities are acting on the orders of Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha, who has invoked the overriding powers available to him as junta chief under Article 44 of the post-coup interim charter.

This latest temple raid appears aimed at verifying Dhammachayo is no longer in residence – and that he won’t come back anytime soon.

However, the ongoing operation has prompted many to question the legitimacy of sending thousands of police and military officers to hunt for a monk who has, after all, been accused of gross misdemeanours rather than serious crimes.

The raid also appears to be violating the rights of others, including monks, laypeople and food vendors, who have complained of being barred entry to the temple.

Of course, the authorities do have legal authority to hunt for the wanted monk. But using dubious means to achieve their goal is making an already tense situation worse, as signalled by rising opposition from the temple’s monks and followers.

It is the authorities that stand to lose out by choosing questionable methods to deal with this matter. With the whole country watching, their legitimacy is at risk.