BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has taken custody of Nopparat Benjawattananan, former Director of the National Office of Buddhism, to proceed with legal action in the high-profile “temple funds embezzlement” case after he fled to the United States. Authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies to seize, freeze, and recover assets obtained through the alleged corruption.
NACC Deputy Secretary-General Surapong Intharathavorn, acting as spokesperson, stated that U.S. authorities in Texas arrested Nopparat following Thailand’s extradition request. He had been accused of misappropriating government subsidies for temple restoration and development projects, commonly referred to as the “temple funds case.”
NACC has now ensured Nopparat’s return to Thailand, coordinating with prosecutors to file charges in court and pursue legal proceedings. The agency emphasized its commitment to recovering assets linked to the corruption, following principles outlined in the 2003 United Nations Convention against Corruption, to which both Thailand and the U.S. are signatories. (TNA)
