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.
The clashes broke out as monks and temple devotees defied police orders and continued to gather at the temple north of Bangkok on Monday.
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.
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.
Some monks were injured in Monday's scuffles and were led away for treatment. No major injuries have been reported so far.
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.
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.
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
One of Thailand's largest and wealthiest temples, the Dhammakaya temple is known for its giant golden dome resembling a flying saucer.
Credit : http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39024904
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