The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has found that two former heads of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB), its deputy chief and an alleged accomplice embezzled most of two budget funds allocated to Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan in Ayutthaya.
Deputy secretary general Worawit Sukboon said on Tuesday that the anti-graft panel found clear evidence against Noparat Benchawatananant and Phanom Sornsilp, both former NOB directors-general, Pranom Kongpikul, deputy NOB director-general, and Chompoonuch Janruechai, an accomplice.
According to Mr Worawit, in 2014 Ms Pranom, who was then director of NOB's Buddhist Monastery Division, contacted the management of the temple in Ayutthaya with the offer of a 10 million baht fund for the temple. The offer came on the condition that it returned 8 million baht for other activities said to be ineligible for funding.
Later, Mr Noparat approved the funding proposal without a request from the temple. After the temple received the 10 million baht, it transferred 8 million baht to an account belonging to Ms Chompoonuch for her personal use. Ms Chompoonuch is apparently a close friend of Mr Noparat's.
In 2015, Ms Pranom proposed another 10 million baht fund to the temple and demanded 5 million baht be returned. After Mr Phanom, then acting NOB director-general, approved the funding, the temple management withdrew 5 million baht in cash and handed it to Ms Pranom.
Mr Worawit said Mr Noparat, Mr Phanom and Ms Pranom would face criminal and disciplinary action and Ms Chompoonuch, who was not a government official, would be charged with supporting government officials' misconduct.
He also said the Counter Corruption Division reported 97 cases of temple funds embezzlement to the NACC. The NACC's investigation was underway.
