The commission also said that if a thorough search fails to find honorary abbot Phra Dhammachayo at the temple, the order declaring the temple and nearby area as a special controlled area should be revoked.

The temple is now declared a special controlled area, with security officials manning checkpoints surrounding the compound, as authorities step up efforts to arrest honorary abbot.

Dhammachayo is wanted for alleged money laundering. An arrest warrant was issued for him last year, but he has never answered the summons.

“Relevant officials and the Dhammakaya Temple should co-operatively comply with operations required by law. Other organisations, including those from the civic sector, should observe the operations to locate the fugitive,” the NHRC said in a statement on Monday.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as the National Council for Peace and Order’s (NCPO) chief, issued the order last month making the compound a special controlled area.

“After that, authorities can still go after the fugitive under the Criminal Code,” the statement said.

The NHRC urged the Sangha Supreme Council – the governing body of the Buddhist order of Thailand – to come forward and help resolve the stand-off at the temple.

The NHRC also emphasised that relevant officials must avoid confrontation and any infringement on the rights of people who are not involved in the alleged crime. It also asked the temple’s followers to remain calm and avoid any action that may trigger misunderstanding and lead to violence.