Thai authorities surround Wat Dhammakaya in search for its wanted founder

Thai authorities began entering the Wat Dhammakaya Temple, in search for its elusive founder Phra Dhammachayo, who was wanted for several counts of money laundering, embezzlement and land encroachment.

Officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) were seen entering the temple's large compound at 11.30am (local time), but no statement has been issued at press time regarding the progress of the search.

The authorities believe Dhammachayo is still inside the sprawling temple's complex, but other quarters doubted and suspected the fugitive founder of the temple has fled and in hiding.

Before entering the temple's compound, DSI officers held several rounds of discussion with monks representing Wat Dhammakaya.

The authorities had tried to enter the temple several times over the past year but failed after facing resistance from thousands of the temple's followers, who barricaded themselves to foil attempts to detain their leader.

Today's attempt to arrest Dhammachayo started early in the morning at 4am, when thousands of policemen, some armed with riot gear, soldiers and DSI officers began to surround the temple.

Armed with a Section 44 decree issued by the Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the authorities blocked traffics nearby and guarded entrances to the temple.

Followers of the temple were turned away from entering the compound.

The Buddhist temple, which is easily recognisable for its "UFO-like building", commanded tens of thousands of followers. It is located in Pathum Thani's province, near Bangkok. -- Bernama