BANGKOK, Thailand – Phra Jamnong Dhammachari, better known as former Phra Phrom Methee, returned to Thailand Thursday morning after seven years in exile in Germany to fight charges in the long-standing “temple fund misappropriation” scandal.
The 84-year-old former assistant abbot of Wat Samphanthawong and former member of the Supreme Sangha Council arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport from Frankfurt at 6:30 AM. He fled Thailand in 2018 after being named a suspect in a major corruption case involving temple maintenance funds and money laundering.
Upon arrival, immigration officials served him with an arrest warrant and escorted him to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) headquarters in Bangkok. There, he formally surrendered and is currently being questioned on the 27th floor of the building.
Police say Phra Phrom Methee faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to launder money, aiding official misconduct, and public sector corruption under Section 157 of the Criminal Code. The DSI-led investigation uncovered alleged misuse of temple funds and the involvement of public officials.
Two monks were also seen entering the CIB office around 10:40 AM, reportedly to visit the former senior monk, though they declined to speak with reporters.
Authorities noted that Phra Phrom Methee’s voluntary return strengthens his case for bail. Investigators reportedly will not oppose bail since the suspect turned himself in and the evidence has already been securely documented, minimizing risks of witness tampering.
Phra Phrom Methee’s future actions — whether he confesses, denies the charges, cooperates with authorities, or chooses to disrobe — remain his personal decision during the 48-hour initial detention period. (TNA)
