Phra Dhammajayo search: Thai monks clash with police

Thai Buddhist monks of Dhammakaya Temple and their supporters scuffle with police officers outside the temple in Pathum Thani province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, 20 February 2017.EPA

The clashes broke out as monks and temple devotees defied police orders and continued to gather at the temple north of Bangkok on Monday.

Buddhist monks of the Dhammakaya sect temple pull their felllow monk as they scuffle with Thai policemen outside the temple in Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, 20 February 2017.AP

The stand-off began on Thursday when police launched a search for the temple's former abbot, Phra Dhammajayo, who is wanted for alleged money-laundering.

A Buddhist monk of the Dhammakaya sect temple holds a placard as monks confront with Thai policemen outside the temple in Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, 20 February 2017.AP

It prompted thousands of devotees to show up in defence of the abbot, in scenes similar to a 2016 stand-off when police attempted a search.

An injured Thai Buddhist monk of Dhammakaya Temple is helped after clashes with police officers outside the temple in Pathum Thani province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, 20 February 2017EPA

Some monks were injured in Monday's scuffles and were led away for treatment. No major injuries have been reported so far.

Buddhist monks of the Dhammakaya sect temple pray as they confront with Thai policemen outside the temple in Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, 20 February 2017.AP

Mass prayer sessions were conducted outside the temple. The temple's followers are known for their intense devotion, and the group has often been compared to charismatic cults.

Thailand police personnel surrounded the Dhammakaya sect temple in Pathum Thani, north of Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, 19 February 2017AP

Thousands of police and soldiers surrounded the site on Sunday. The military had sealed off roads leading to and from the temple and put the entire area under their control.

Policemen and Buddhist monks search for a fugitive Buddhist monk inside Dhammakaya temple in Pathum Thani province, Thailand February 17, 2017.Reuters

Officers so far have failed to locate the abbot while searching the 4 sq km (1.5 sq mile) compound, which is nearly 10 times the size of the Vatican

Thai Buddhist monks walk to receive morning alms law enforcement and military authorities make preperations to raid the Dhammakaya Temple in Pathum Thani province, Thailand, 16 February 2017EPA

One of Thailand's largest and wealthiest temples, the Dhammakaya temple is known for its giant golden dome resembling a flying saucer.

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