Bangkok: Police arrested two elderly men who were impersonating monks and soliciting donations from villagers. Police from Phra Intharacha Police Station in the Bang Pa-in District of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province investigated a group of men dressed as Buddhist monks residing by a rice paddy embankment in Moo 8, Chiang Rak Noi Subdistrict. This is the same location where arrests were made previously on May 7th. At this location, they had constructed a wooden hut with monk's robes used as tents.
According to Thai News Agency, two suspects were apprehended: Mr. Nutien, 63, and Mr. Tiw, 67, both residents of Nong Kham Subdistrict, Kaeng Khro District, Chaiyaphum Province. Authorities seized two sets of Buddhist monk's robes, two alms bowls with carrying cases, and a monk's shoulder bag.
When asked to present their identification documents, both the monk and novice were unable to provide any. Additionally, a check in the National Police Office system revealed that they possessed civilian-style identification cards using the title "Mr." and had been arrested once before.
Upon questioning, both individuals claimed they had only recently resumed their activities three days prior and attempted to negotiate with the police, citing debt as the reason. However, all were brought to Phra Intharacha Police Station along with the evidence and charged with "illegitimately wearing or using insignia identifying as a Buddhist monk," and will proceed with legal proceedings.