DSI Drops Dhammachayo Case Over Time Limit

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has dropped a special case against Phra Thep Yannamahamuni, also known as Phra Dhammachayo, after the statute of limitations expired. The decision follows a prosecutor’s order to discontinue criminal proceedings. The case involved allegations of money laundering and receiving stolen property linked to a major fraud investigation.

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In a letter dated March 20, 2026, the DSI confirmed it had informed complainant Thammanoon Atchoti of the decision. The complaint had called for legal action against Phrathepyanmahamuni (Chaiboon Suthipol), also known as Phrarajbhavanavisudh or Phra Athikan Chaiboon Dhammachayo, along with Sasithorn Chokprasit. Both were accused of conspiring to launder money, jointly laundering funds, and receiving stolen property.

The DSI had accepted the complaint as special case 27/2016 and conducted an investigation. However, prosecutors from the Special Prosecutor’s Office 4, under the Office of the Attorney General, later ordered that charges against Phrathepyanmahamuni, listed as suspect No. 2, and Sasithorn Chokprasit, listed as suspect No. 5, be dropped. The order was issued on the grounds that the legal time limit for filing the case had expired.

The agency stated it was required to notify the complainants of the outcome. It confirmed that the case would not proceed further as the statute of limitations had already run out, effectively ending the legal process in this matter.

The case stemmed from allegations tied to the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative fraud investigation. Complaints had been filed against multiple individuals, including Supachai Srisupa-aksorn, former chairman of the cooperative, Phrathepyanmahamuni (Phra Dhammachayo), Saranya Manmhad, Thongphin Kanlom, and Sasithorn Chokprasit. They were listed as suspects No. 1 to No. 5 in connection with alleged joint money laundering linked to the fraud.

The Nation reported that the decision closes a long-running case that had been under investigation for several years. It highlights the impact of legal time limits on complex financial crime cases and underscores procedural requirements within Thailand’s judicial system.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 28 Mar 2026