Taling Chan:The Criminal Court for Corruption Cases sentenced former monk Alongkot to 742 years in prison and "Dr. Bee" to 386 years and 1,480 months for embezzling funds from Wat Phrabat Namphu. Their sentences were reduced to 50 years each due to their testimony, and they must jointly return over 306 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in Taling Chan announced its verdict in case number AT. 203/2568. The charges, filed by the public prosecutor from the Special Prosecution Division for Anti-Corruption Cases 3, were against Phra Ratchavisutthiprachanart (Alongkot Tikkhapanyo), or Mr. Alongkot Poolmook, and Mr. Seksan Thrapsuebsakul, or Dr. Bee, for offenses under Sections 147 and 157 of the Criminal Code and money laundering.
The defendants were accused of misappropriating and embezzling donations intended for patients and to support temple activities, using fraudulent means for personal gain. They faced multiple counts of these offenses, including money laundering.
During the verdict hearing, representatives of all parties, including both defendants and their attorneys, were present. The court found that Defendant 1 committed multiple separate offenses, sentencing him to six years for each count of misappropriation and three years for money laundering, with some sentences reduced due to mitigating circumstances.
Defendant 2 was sentenced for aiding and abetting fraudulent activities, with similar sentence reductions. The total combined sentence for both offenses resulted in 370 years and 1,480 months for the aiding charges, and 16 years for money laundering, before the reduction to a 50-year sentence under the law. Both defendants are required to repay a substantial amount to Wat Phrabat Namphu.