The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has accepted for further trials two cases filed by the prosecutors against seven monks and three lay persons in connection with an alleged embezzlement of temple development funds.

The two senior monks indicted by the prosecutors in the first case are the former Phra Phrom Dilok, the former abbot of Wat Sam Phraya and former Bangkok monastic chief, and his former secretary the former Phra Atthakijsophan. They are charged with violating Section 157 of the Criminal Code and money-laundering. The two did not apply for bail.

The other five monks arraigned by the court in a separate case are the former Phra Phromsitthi, former abbot of Wat Saket Ratchavoramahaviharn, and his four former assistant abbots.

The three lay persons also indicted in this case are Ms Nuchara Sithinok, Tawich Sangyu and Ms Thamporn Niphonpithaya who allegedly received money from Wat Saket for media production.

They are charged with money-laundering.

The latter eight suspects applied for bail but the court rejected their requests.