Thai Police Oppose Bail for Former Monk

BANGKOK, Aug 27 (TNA) – Thai police are opposing bail for a former monk and a faith influencer on charges of embezzling temple donations.

The former abbot of Wat Phrabat Namphu, Alongkot Pholamuk and Seksan “Mor Bee” Sapsubbsakul, who helped raise funds for the temple and HIV patients, were taken to the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on Wednesday. Authorities cited a flight risk and concerns about evidence tampering as reasons to deny their release.

Alonkot, whose birth name was disclosed as Kriangkrai Phetkaew, disrobed the night before and was seen being helped into a police vehicle. Seksan was transported in a separate car. Both men denied the charges during questioning.

A lawyer for the former monk stated that his client is cooperating with police. Meanwhile, Seksan’s lawyer expressed confidence in their evidence and said they had prepared a six-figure sum for bail.

During the interrogation, Alongkot reportedly confessed to using a deceased friend’s name to evade military conscription and admitted to forging his identity documents for his ordination. As part of their investigation, authorities have seized over 20 boxes of evidence from 17 locations. -819 (TNA)