Crime Monk Nabbed in Loan Shark Case, Refuses to Disrobe

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

A Buddhist monk has been arrested in Pathum Thani for allegedly being involved in an illegal money-lending operation, yet continues to deny the charges and refuses to disrobe.

 

The operation was part of a nationwide crackdown on criminal suspects hiding in temples, ordered by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), who also leads the Centre for the Prevention and Suppression of Threats to Buddhism. The large-scale operation, conducted by the CIB, targeted over 200 locations across Thailand to apprehend individuals involved in various criminal activities.

 

Officers from Division 3 of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission Police (PACC) were dispatched to arrest Phra Woraphot, also known as Mr Woraphot Sathitwatthana, at a temple in Moo 4, Bang Duea Subdistrict, Pathum Thani Province. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Mae Sariang Provincial Court in Mae Hong Son Province. The charges relate to the unauthorised provision of personal loans with high interest rates.

 

According to Police Sub-Lieutenant Charan Kueama, who led the arrest, the suspect continues to deny the allegations and insists he has never even visited Mae Hong Son. Phra Woraphot also refused to disrobe and was subsequently taken to Mueang Pathum Thani Police Station for official documentation before being transferred to CIB headquarters.

 

In his statement, Woraphot maintained his innocence, claiming that before ordaining, he had worked as a welder and had no connection to the alleged offences.

 

His mother, Mrs Wannee, 68, defended her son, stating he has been a monk for three rainy seasons and that she relies on the food he collects on alms rounds each morning to feed herself and her husband, who suffered a stroke. She pleaded for mercy, saying, “If anyone is trying to harm my son, may karma fall upon them.”

 

As investigations continue, police are working to verify the monk’s claims and gather further evidence. Authorities are also intensifying efforts to root out criminal networks exploiting monastic life as a cover for illegal operations.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1368864-police-raid-temples-to-arrest-181-hidden-crime-suspects/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-06