AMLO to investigate former abbot’s money trail for links

BANGKOK — 11 September 2026, The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) is preparing to receive the case file of “Samee Chote,” the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for a probe into his financial transactions.

AMLO secretary-general Thepsu Bovornchotidara said on Friday that the agency had been coordinating closely with the CIB and would work with the bureau to transfer the case file to AMLO for further investigation.

Asked whether donations from members of the public could be traced, Thepsu said all funds would have to be examined. The money had entered through both personal bank accounts and a foundation, he said.

On whether the case involved money laundering, Thepsu said charges had already been filed and stressed that AMLO and the CIB were working closely together.

The agencies must determine whether the assets obtained were connected to any wrongdoing, he said, adding that further cooperation between the two agencies would be required.

Regarding assets worth several hundred million baht that are under investigation, Thepsu said it was too early to determine whether they represented “grey capital” linked to illicit or questionable business activities.

“Right now, we cannot say that. There is still a lot to investigate,” he said.

Thepsu said the investigation was not expected to take long and noted that AMLO officials had already joined the CIB in conducting searches at relevant locations.