No let-up in the search for Dhammachayo, says minister

By THE NATION

 

 

THE GOVERNMENT is not backing down in its efforts to arrest Phra Dhammachayo, despite its month-long failure to locate the former abbot under the sweeping powers of Article 44.

 

Justice Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said yesterday the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) would continue its efforts to bring the fugitive monk to justice.

 

In addition, authorities plan to pursue criminal investigations against numerous suspects who are allegedly connected with various wrongdoings concerning Dhammakaya Temple and its supporters.

 

Inquiries into money laundering, possession of ill-gotten assets, embezzlement and other criminal activities are under way in connection with the bankrupt Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) scandal.

 

Investigators are preparing to summon Alisa Asavabhokin, the daughter of property tycoon Anant Asavabhokin, for questioning in connection with her ownership of a large plot of land where a major building is situated in the Dhammakaya Temple compound.

 

According to the land title deed, Alisa bought eight tracts of land with a combined area of 57 rai worth Bt298 million, from Supachai Srisupak-aksorn, the former chairman of the bankrupt KCUC, in 2013.

 

 The deal took place just a few days before Supachai’s assets were seized by authorities following criminal charges of money laundering and possession of ill-gotten assets.

 

DSI sources said Alisa would be questioned because the land was later used to construct the Boonruksa Building, which became a hospital, inside the temple compound. 

 

Investigators say they have also found the money trail that shows funds were diverted from the temple to Alisa to buy the land on behalf of the embattled temple.

 

Nicknamed Taeng, Alisa is the middle child of Anant, the major shareholder of Land and House and Home Pro whose combined assets total Bt97 billion. Her father has long been a key supporter of the Dhammakaya Temple. 

 

Alisa, who got a masters degree in linguistics from New York University, said in an earlier interview that she chose not to enter the family’s property development business.

 

After working for a few years at Assumption University and the International Labour Organisation’s office, she turned to do what she enjoys most: the spa and yoga businesses under the Lullaby brand.

 

Last year, Alisa also came under the media spotlight when her name appeared in the so-called Panama Papers as director and shareholder of Lullaby Holdings Ltd, an offshore account set up in the British Virgin Islands, along with another offshore holding firm controlled by another of Anant’s children.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30309463

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-03-18

28 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

 The deal took place just a few days before Supachai’s assets were seized by authorities following criminal charges of money laundering and possession of ill-gotten assets.

 

How would she know when the junta was going to seize assets ?  Does the government advertise seizures weeks ahead of time ?  It does not sound like hard evidence. 

1 minute ago, yellowboat said:

How would she know when the junta was going to seize assets ?  Does the government advertise seizures weeks ahead of time ?  It does not sound like hard evidence. 

Well, yes they apparently do 'advertise' it, seems to have happened countless times before ... 

Dunno, but i'd rather shut up after their embarrassing >Elvis has left the building< stunt ... just report back once you've grabbed the fraudulent orange baldy - if ever ... 

There are a lot of "assets" held by people involved with this temple in one way or another.

Could go some way to addressing some possible fiscal problems. . .

7 hours ago, rooster59 said:

No let-up in the search for Dhammachayo, says minister

Me senses some annual announcing in this comment. Should last as long as the governments 20 year plan to prosperity?? The good monks prosperity should surely last that long or longer. 

6 hours ago, JAG said:

There are a lot of "assets" held by people involved with this temple in one way or another.

Could go some way to addressing some possible fiscal problems. . .

Ah yes I get your point wink wink. 

6 hours ago, jollyhangmon said:

How would she know when the junta was going to seize assets ?  Does the government advertise seizures weeks ahead of time ?  It does not sound like hard evidence. 

In YL case she should have been smart enough to make sure the cupboard was bare when the law comes and backs the truck up. If she did not get that "behind the 8 ball feeling" she should never have been prime minister. 

7 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Justice Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said yesterday the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) would continue its efforts to bring the fugitive monk to justice.

So he's quite safe then. 

8 hours ago, jollyhangmon said:

How would she know when the junta was going to seize assets ?  Does the government advertise seizures weeks ahead of time ?  It does not sound like hard evidence. 

 

2 hours ago, elgordo38 said:

In YL case she should have been smart enough to make sure the cupboard was bare when the law comes and backs the truck up. If she did not get that "behind the 8 ball feeling" she should never have been prime minister. 

... hm, not an 'original' quote of mine in your response, seen here above yours, how did that mixup happen ...?!

 

However, yes, you're right with your comment ... 

1 hour ago, jollyhangmon said:

 

... hm, not an 'original' quote of mine in your response, seen here above yours, how did that mixup happen ...?!

 

However, yes, you're right with your comment ... 

I am not hard to get along with I will share the glory. 

right lets move on Article 44 didnt work so we will move to Article 45

IMHO there are only 2 ways Phra Dhammachayo  will be arrested.

 

1.   He will give himself up. I think this is unlikely.

 

2.   Somebody turns him in for a reward but it would have to be in the 50 to 100 million baht range.