PUBLISHED: 21 Mar 2024 at 04: 09
A former Wat Pa Dhammakiri bishop in Nakhon Ratchasima has received a 468-year sentence for his presence in a nearly 300 million baht embezzlement case.
In response to lawsuits brought by prosecution against Phra Ajarn Khom, the original priest of Wat Pa Dhammakiri in Pak Chong city, and eight partners over their involvement in the case, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct cases handed down the decision on Wednesday.
The original priest, who is now known as Khom Kongkaeowas, is the first plaintiff.
The various eight are Wutthima Thaomor, the former priest of the church before Khom, Khom’s girl, Juthathip Phubodiwarochuphan, his drivers, Boonyasak Patarakosol, and five excommunicated monks– Boonsong Panpuwong, Bundit Yoicha, Nathapat Tangjaisanong, Boonluea Phothong, and Thanakrit Yotsurin.
Khom and the defrocked priests allegedly eluded the court’s investigation into the theft of the temple’s funds.
Just his sister was permitted to withdraw money from his bank accounts, which he kept the money in. Wealth was withdrawn 76 days.
Police later discovered 51.4 million baht after the original abbot ordered his sister to retain some of the money at his home. Additionally, Kham also instructed different ex-monks to conceal some of their belongings outside the church.
Authorities later discovered 1, 455 products including income and assets for 299.5 million baht. He was found guilty of 78 counts and received a 468-year word, each with a maximum sentence of six years.
Wutthima received a full prison sentence of 312 ages and 78 counts of innocent. Juthathip was innocent on 77 works with a 308- time prison term.
Under Thai legislation, the maximum period they can spent behind bars is 50 years. Because of their cooperation, the other defendants ‘ words were reduced from three to two times.