Deputy National Police Commissioner Pol General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said on Monday that of these cases, more than 10 had led to the issuance of more arrest warrants.

Phra Dhammachayo, the controversial former abbot of the temple, has been facing an arrest warrant since last year over money-laundering charges in connection with embezzlement at the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative.

The Dhammakaya Temple in Pathum Thani province is now declared a special controlled area, as authorities stepped up operations to arrest Phra Dhammachayo, who has reportedly hidden himself behind the monastic wall since last year.

Srivara said the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had not yet handed over to police the temple monks who were detained at the Pacheng Market last Friday.

He added that police would also investigate Dhamma centres that are connected with the Dhammakaya Temple in Thailand’s Northeast over land-encroachment charges.