Pictures of Nen Kham from Facebook. (Facebook photos)

Thai prosecutors will fly to the United States to bring back the disgraced former monk Nen Kham after a California court approved his extradition, provided he doesn't appeal.

Wirapol Sukphol, 38, better known as Nen Kham after his monastic name Luang Pu Nen Kham Chattiko, fled Thailand in 2013. He was disrobed for inappropriate behaviour including having sex, boasting about supernatural powers and leading an extravagant life with his private jet and brand-name luggage.

Amnat Chotichai, director-general of the foreign affairs office the Attorney General's Office, said on Saturday that following the US court's approval, a team of prosecutors and special investigation officials would escort the disgraced former monk back to Thailand, provided Mr Wirapol did not appeal.

“If he doesn’t appeal within the allowed period, which I think is one or two days from the ruling, the [extradition] case will be final,” he said.

The well-known preacher from Kanchanaburi is wanted on arrest warrants for public fraud, having sex with underage women and money laundering.

The Department of Special Investigation earlier seized 380 million baht worth of his assets

Thai prosecutors asked the US for cooperation to extradite him in 2016.

According to a September 2015 report from the US, Mr Wirapol opened the five-rai Wat Pa Kanti Baramee in Lake Elsinore near San Diego. He reportedly said he was founding a new Buddhist cult that had nothing to do with Thailand’s Sangha and would register it as a foundation.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crime/1287682/nen-kham-extradition-approved

The ex-monk, now Wirapol Sukphol, arrived at Suvarnabhumi dressed in Buddhist robes. (Photo courtesy DSI)

Disgraced former monk Nen Kham arrived in Bangkok from the United States on Wednesday night with a team of prosecutors and Department of Special Investigation (DSI) officials.

Wirapol Sukphol, 38, formerly Nen Kham, was escorted from California on an airliner to Tokyo and was switched to Thai Airways International flight TG677 for the final leg to Bangkok.

He wore Buddhist robes despite having been dismissed from the clergy.

DSI director-general Paisit Wongmuang and other officials were waiting for the former monk at the airport, from where he was whisked to the DSI for interrogation after going through the immigration process.

After his arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport late Wednesday (above), the ex-monk and former flashy cleric was whisked to the DSI headquarters (below) for processing and interrogation. (Bangkok Post photo above by Patipat Janthong. Photo below courtesy DSI)

The former abbot of Khantitham forest monastery in Kanthararom district of Si Sa Ket province will face five charges concerning money laundering, child abduction, raping a girl under 15, violations of the Computer Crime Act and fraud.

Pol Col Paisit said on Wednesday that the questioning process could drag on until Thursday morning and the flamboyant former monk will then be sent to court for detention.

Mr Wirapol, whose monastic name is Luang Pu Nen Kham Chattiko, fled the country for the US in 2013 and was sent back under the extradition agreement between the two countries after he was arrested in July last year.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1290154/jet-setting-monk-back-in-Bangkok-to-face-charges