Phra Thatthacheevo was suspected of being involved in providing shelter for fugitives and using temple funds in the stock market. He also failed many times to report himself to authorities as ordered. Phra Dhammachayo, who is now a fugitive, faces a number of criminal charges, including money laundering and conspiracy to launder money.

Both Phra Thatthacheevo and Phra Dhammachavo were said to be “exceptional generals” of late nun and “Dhammakaya” meditation master Chandra Khonnokyoong.

Whilst Phra Dhammachayo kept a low profile, Phra Thatthacheevo took the helm of the temple domain.

Phra Thatthacheevo, whose layman name was Phadet Phongsawat, was born into a farming family in Kanchanaburi and he reportedly was a student of ancient dark magic for immortality.

At the age of 17, he practised meditation with Luangpor Boontham of Wat Khao Laem in Kanchanaburi.

During his studies at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, he met with junior student Chaiyaboon Suthipol – who later become Phra Dhammachayo – and was introduced to “Dhammakaya” meditation, which reportedly helped Phadet give up the dark magic.

Phadet became close to Chaiyaboon, who at that time maintained the Five Precepts and practised Dhamma, and followed him to learn from master Chandra Khonnokyoong at Ban Dhammaprasit in Wat Paknam Pasicharoen.

Phadet entered the monkshood on December 19, 1971 at Wat Paknam Pasicharoen and was given the name Phra Thatthacheevo (a person devoting his life to Buddhism).

During the building of Dhammakaya Temple, it was said that Chandra served as the “supreme head” while Phra Dhammachayo was “chief of staff” and Phra Thatthacheevo was a “general” to execute plans.

Phra Thatthacheevo was reportedly responsible for actions such as the purchase of thousands of rai of land or building construction in the compound.

Phra Thatthacheevo also reportedly planned defensive measures for the temple and ordered the recent digging of canals and erection of barriers in the compound.