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.

Get today's headlines by email

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

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 28 Mar 2026

View full article

In effect, it doesn't mean the suspects didn't do the crime, it means the police were too slow and let the case drag on too long.

How easy it must be to let time pass until the statue of limitations runs out.

Is this the " space ship " temple man?

Where is he ?

it shows again the slow working and incompetent behavior of all parties, with a result time passed.. But in fact it is everytime in Thailand. Boss case is also an issue and it is of ridiculous that even now legal cases of almost 15 years ago will get a verdict. As not long ago a verdict was made over a 2010 !!!! report of a few politicians ... Delays should be limited and case should be finished in at least 3 years time. It should be more than enough time. But corruption is always working, no wonder the country is doomed

This shows that enough money was paid, to continue wait until the storm was over.

5 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

But in fact it is everytime in Thailand

No, that is not a fact.

3 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

This shows that enough money was paid, to continue wait until the storm was over.

No, it does not necessarily show that.

Police and authorities simply didn't want to open this can of worms as it could well be too damaging/embarrassing to many... much better to kick it into the long grass and hope it goes away on its own.

Clearly there was something seriously amiss, but also clear that no-one wants to go there, or it was thus ordered from higher up to be left alone, as more damaging stuff could come out... not worth it, but sad that justice is obviously selectively applied here. Optics are very poor on this whole episode.

2 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

No, it does not necessarily show that.

Depends on the naive string of the person who read it.