Monks And Secular Law

[camerata]

On the question of whether criminals can use the monkhood to hide from the law, the answer is they can't. In Thailand all matters relating to the Buddhist religion are regulated by the Sangha Act.

In practical terms: If a monk is found drunk on the street, he can be disrobed on the spot by the police, even though this is not a disrobing offence according to Vinaya. If a monk is found alone with a woman and accused of improper behaviour, he can also be disrobed (according to Vinaya, a monk must acknowledge such an offence himself and the Sangha cannot "disrobe" him). If someone has committed a serious crime and then ordains as a monk but is later found out, he has to disrobe and does not count as a real monk.

Thanks to Ajahn Gavesako for this information.