Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is meeting with Luang Ta Such. Picture courtesy of MGR online

 

A Thai online prank suggesting that a Thai monk in Cambodia is a spy has sparked fury among Cambodians. Accusations have circulated online claiming that Luang Ta Such, a monk from Thailand's Isan region, was gathering military intel for Thailand.

 

This accusation has led to calls for his deportation, with the joke spreading rapidly through Cambodian social media.

 

The pranksters posted an image alleging Luang Ta Such was aiding Thai military operations by pinpointing targets for fighter jets.

 

The image was quickly shared by a Cambodian group, “Kun Khmer,” enhancing outrage by stating he was on a mission for "Siem bandits." Despite the uproar, a post on Luang Ta Such's Facebook revealed he was in Canada last night, raising questions about his location, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Thai pranksters created a fake image depicting Luang Ta Such as both a monk and a military officer. Picture courtesy of Postjung

 

Previously, Luang Ta Such was expelled from a Thai temple for disruptive behaviour, including live-streamed criticisms of Surin province and incendiary statements against its residents. Seeking refuge, he relocated first to a Cambodian temple and later to Canada, continuing his controversial commentaries.

 

In Cambodia, Luang Ta Such arrived to mixed receptions, meeting with Phnom Penh's Deputy Governor and receiving a visit from Prime Minister Hun Manet. An interesting twist to this global incident is that Hun Sen, the president of the Cambodian Senate, plans to apply for citizenship for him despite his divisive presence.

 

Both Thai and Cambodian authorities are now involved as this scandal unfolds. The repercussions of this online prank highlight the sensitive nature of cross-border relations and the potential fallout from digital mischief.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-08-01

 

 

9 hours ago, webfact said:

The image was quickly shared by a Cambodian group

using a pigeon

Worse than in the dumbest Kindergarten.

22 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

using a pigeon

A stool pigeon maybe, with a lazer pointer up his robe ?

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Previously, Luang Ta Such was expelled from a Thai temple for disruptive behaviour, including live-streamed criticisms of Surin province and incendiary statements against its residents. Seeking refuge, he relocated first to a Cambodian temple and later to Canada, continuing his controversial commentaries.

 

He sounds like my kind of monk.

As the Don would say

False news 😱

Only in Thailand. Well, and Cambodia too. 

 

Sometimes hard for a Falang to tell the difference.