(Photo by Tawatchai Kemgumnerd)The Appeal Court on Monday refused to grant bail to five former senior monks due to the severity of the charges and evidence-tampering concern. The Appeal Court upheld the decision of the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct cases, which had thrown out their first bail attempt on Friday. The Appeal Court was of the view that their alleged crimes tarnished a religion and they could tamper with evidence if they were allowed to walk free. Two suspects were from Wat Sam Phraya -- abbot Phra Phrom Dilok and his secretary, Phra Atthakit Sophon. Two more suspects -- Wat Sa Ket abbot Phra Phrom Sitthi and Wat Samphanthawong assistant abbot Phra Phrom Methee -- are still on the run on the same charges.

Source: Bangkok Post May 28, 2018 14:03 UTC