The search of the 135-room building, which houses ailing monks and is only partially open due to construction work, was overseen by Dhammakaya communication officer Phra Maha Nopporn Punyachayo.

DSI chief Pol Colonel Paisit Wongmuang led officers to conduct the search, also observed by Pathum Thani chief monk Phra Thep Rattanasuthee, National Office of Buddhism officials and provincial governor Surachai Khan-asa.

“Phra Vinayathikar” clergy disciplinary specialists were also present during the search to check on the “Bai Suthi” clergy identification cards of the monks at the temple. Only monks registered at the temple are allowed to be on the premises.

The temple did not object to police conducting the search, that also included Zone A, which is 196 rai (31 hectares) and Zone B, which is 130 rai (21 hectares).

Dhammakaya Temple spokesman Phra Sanitwong Wuthiwangson yesterday morning turned himself in at Pathum Thani’s Klong 5 Police Station to hear the charge of violating a junta order for failing to present himself before the DSI chief.

Police had summoned Phra Sanitwong and 13 other monks including Phra Dhammachayo to hear the charge. With Phra Sanitwong’s surrender all the monks have complied with the summons, with the exception of only Phra Dhammachayo.

After the 45-year-old monk was questioned for 30 minutes, he was brought to the Thanyaburi Provincial Court to apply for the first 12-day detention order.

He was later released on Bt100,000 bail on the condition that he would not tamper with evidence or leave Thailand, his lawyer Winyat Chatmontri said.

The court did not object to him entering and leaving Dhammakaya Temple, Winyat said

The monk returned to the temple without speaking to the media.

On Thursday, Phra Sanitwong surrendered at the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok to hear charges against him of incitement, violation of the Computer Crime Act and defamation.

He denied the charges and was later granted a Bt400,000 bail release by Ratchadapisek Criminal Court on the condition he does would not obstruct officers in performing their duty, engage in incitement activities or leave the country without court permission.