At 8 am yesterday, a team of senior monks and Bang Bua Thong police volunteers responded to complaints regarding monk misconduct at a market in Nonthaburi. The monk, identified as 69-year-old Somchai, had been collecting alms regularly and causing disturbances.

 

Upon investigation, it emerged Somchai had been residing in a rented room within an Islamic community for over a year, having been evicted from a temple. He was accused of selling alms and engaging in confrontations with fellow monks, leading locals to report his behaviour.

 

Somchai resisted initial questioning but eventually agreed to meet with the district’s chief monk at Lam Pho Temple. There, protests continued as Somchai argued he was officially certified and suffered from a mystical illness requiring unconventional healing.

 

 

 

 

The senior monks presented evidence of multiple violations, leading to the decision to defrock him. Somchai resisted forcefully, resulting in a physical struggle before police volunteers could strip him of his monastic robes.

 

Additionally, it was revealed Somchai often resided with young women and had a history of violence with other monks, cementing his expulsion. He has been taken into police custody, pending further legal actions should he attempt to impersonate a monk again.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-09
 

 

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Yep, he is a keeper, except, not in the monkhood.

"Hello?  Maryknoll Seminary?  Can you make me a priest?"

One down, 100s to go!

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

There, protests continued as Somchai argued he was officially certified and suffered from a mystical illness requiring unconventional healing.

Thaksin could take note of this one... maybe a next time