Fake Monks, Lottery Slips & Loan Records Discovered at Chanthaburi Temple

Pictures courtesy of NBT.

Authorities uncovered a trove of suspicious items, including underground lottery slips and personal loan records, during a surprise inspection at a temple in the Khlung district of Chanthaburi province.

The operation was carried out at approximately 09:00 on 1 May, by officials from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in Chanthaburi, the provincial Office of Buddhism, the Social Development and Human Security Office, local administrative officers, the provincial police, and immigration officers.

The inspection followed public complaints that foreign monks, reportedly Cambodian nationals, had been soliciting donations in the area. As officers arrived at the temple, several individuals dressed as monks attempted to flee the scene. Authorities managed to detain three of them for questioning.

A thorough search of the temple premises revealed that one of the detained individuals, dressed in monk robes, was a Cambodian national who had entered Thailand as a tourist. He failed to provide any valid monk identification documents (known as a Bai Sutthi). Further investigation uncovered slips related to underground lottery gambling and personal loan records in his possession. When questioned, he admitted the materials were his.

Captain Nattapong Suwanwong, Chief of Staff at ISOC Chanthaburi, confirmed that his agency had launched the investigation following reports that foreign monks were soliciting donations in areas including Koh Pued and Koh Khwang. Surveillance confirmed the presence of individuals dressed as monks residing at the temple in question.

According to Captain Nattapong, the temple had been renting out rooms to Cambodian nationals for 3,000 to 5,000 baht per month. Of the 12 available rooms, only three were occupied. Every morning, vehicles would collect these individuals, dressed in monastic robes and drop them off at various locations to solicit donations, returning them to the temple at pre-arranged times.

Despite holding merit-making ceremonies such as Kathin and Pha Pa, local residents reportedly did not participate in the temple’s religious activities. Authorities also found evidence that some of the money collected was passed on to a laywoman, raising further concerns about misconduct.

The three individuals, including the Cambodian suspect, were taken to Khlung Police Station for further investigation. Authorities are continuing to trace all parties involved and expand the inquiry.