Unholy alliance: Thai monks accused of helping abbot loot millions denied bail

Police today denied bail today to five monks charged with helping a temple abbot embezzle over THB 180 million (US$5.4 million) in cash and gold.

The sanctimonious suspects; identified only as Boonsong, Boonluea, Thanakrit, Bandit, and Natthapach; are accused of stealing from Wat Pa Thammakhiri in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Their abbot, Khom Apirawaro, was disrobed Friday for allegedly stealing funds.

Police say that the abbot would order the five monks to transport large amounts of cash to be hidden at a resort, often in a van allegedly driven by Boonsong.

The police discovered and seized over THB76 million in cash, as well as gold bars and ornaments valued at more than THB22 million. Other assets, estimated to be worth no less than THB100 million, were still being assessed today.

The monks were taken in Tuesday and have denied the allegations. Investigators…