Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative issued an appreciation letter to supporters of Wat Phra Dhammakaya who raised funds to aid the Credit Union, issued a press statement, and made a recent appearance on a television program to publicly demonstrate their gratitude and announce they were withdrawing their case against Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Most Ven. Phrathepyanmahamuni. See the video clip, letter, and press statement below.
16th March 2015
Re: A letter of appreciation
To: Supporters of Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Most Ven. Phrathepyanmahamuni
Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) had filed a civil lawsuit against Mr. Supachai Srisupa-aksorn, case number 736/2557, at Thanyaburi Court. Mr. Supachai Srisupa-aksorn had donated funds to Phrarajbhavanavisudh (Phrathepyanmahamuni) in the sum of 684.78 million baht, which were subsequently allocated toward the construction of religious facilities in accordance with his wishes. These funds were obtained from KCUC. Although the funds were offered with transparency, supporters of Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Phrarajbhavanavisudh or Phrathepyanmahamuni felt the credit union’s financial operations could be severely impacted, as credit union members had been unable to withdraw funds. Wat Phra Dhammakaya supporters were concerned the lawsuit could become lengthy, which would not benefit either party. For this reason, these supporters raised funds to assist Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Phrathepyanmahamuni, and the credit union. In total, 684.78 million baht was raised and given to the credit union as a way to restore business operations and aid credit union members and employees.
KCUC realizes the donations in question were received by Wat Phra Dhammakaya with transparency and allocated entirely toward the construction of religious facilities. As a result, KCUC would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Wat Phra Dhammakaya supporters for their compassion in raising these funds.
Respectfully,
Mr. Padet Mungthanya, Chairman
Mr. Prakit Pilankasa, Vice Chairman
Klongchan Credit Union Limited Cooperative, 1 Seri Thai Lane 7, Klongchan Sub-district, Bangkapi District, Bangkok 10240, Website: www.cukj.or.th Tel. 0-2375-7193-4 0-2733-8674-5 Fax. 02-2375-7195
Financial Institution of the Community for the Community
KLONGCHAN CREDIT UNION LIMITED (Letterhead)
CLARIFICATION TO THE MEDIA
Financial Reliefs to Klongchan Credit Union Members from the Devotees of Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Phrarajbhavanavisudh (Venerable Dhammajayo)
March 16, 2015
This is in reference to lawsuit, civil case No. พ 736/2557, filed at Thanyaburi Court, by Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) against Mr. Supachai Srisupa-aksorn and associates for colluding to embezzle funds amounting to no less than 15 billion baht from KCUC during 2009-2010. Of this amount, 684.78 million baht was paid by checks, totaling fifteen, by Mr. Supachai to Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Prarajbhavanavisudh (Phrathepyanmahamuni or Venerable Dhammajayo). The suit demands that said funds be returned to KCUC by Mr. Supachai, Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Phrarajbhavanavisudh. An arbitration hearing is set for March 16, 2015.
It is the view of the devotees of Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Phrathepyanmahamuni that the funds in question were received with complete transparency and in good faith. These funds have been used for the construction of religious facilities as specified by the donors. By law, the temple is not at liberty to utilize funds donated by other donors towards various religious purposes, to pay to the KCUC. These devotees are concerned that the lawsuit would become lengthy and cause a negative impact to all concerned. They made a collective effort to raise money to provide relief funds to help alleviate the situation. A total of 684.78 million baht was raised and given to KCUC. These funds are to be used to support the credit union’s business operations and provide financial relief for its members. The amount will be paid in six equal monthly installments of 100 million baht beginning March 16, 2015, with the last payment being 184.78 million baht.
These payments are extremely helpful to the credit union and its members. We are happy that KCUC recovered the funds in full from the Dhammakaya devotees without having to pursue them in court. We express our thanks and gratitude toward the devotees of Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Phrarajbhavanavisudh for their kindness. All lawsuits, civil or criminal, against Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Phrarajbhavanavisudh are being withdrawn by us. As for those other parties which funds are yet to be recovered, the lawsuits will continue.
KCUC has submitted letters to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) advising them that it is no longer interested in pursuing the case, civil or criminal, against Wat Phra Dhammakaya and Phrarajbhavanavisudh. All suits against them are to be withdrawn. As for the cases involving other parties who have not yet returned the funds to KCUC, lawsuits against them will continue. The relief funds received from the devotees of Wat Phra Dhammakaya will be used to provide liquidity for the business operations of the credit union as well as financial assistance for its members. This is in accordance with the KCUC’s business plan.
Please be guided accordingly.
We thank all media organizations and members of the media community for their understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Signed
Padet Mungthanya, Chairman
Signed
Prakit Pilangkasa, Vice Chairman
Klongchan Credit Union Limited Cooperative, 1 Seri Thai Lane 7, Klongchan Sub-district, Bangkapi District, Bangkok 10240, Website: www.cukj.or.th Tel. 0-2375-7193-4 0-2733-8674-5 Fax. 02-2375-7195
