Thread: Bogus Monk Nabbed in Chiang Mai

Bangkok Post
November 25, 2014
Writer: Cheewin Sattha

A 58-year-old man masquerading as a Buddhist monk was arrested Tuesday for soliciting alms and money for the past three years in Chiang Mai.

Boonmee Pankaew, 58, was apprehended at his house in tambon San Sai of Saraphi district, said police who led soldiers and religious officials in searching his home. Seized were saffron robes and a monk's alms bowl.

Police alleged Mr Boonmee had earned his living by collecting alms and soliciting money from people at markets in downtown Chiang Mai to feed his family for more than three years.

Unsure if he actually was ordained, police initially took the "monk" to the abbot of Wat Sridonchai for defrocking. But he was unable to utter a single word of Buddhist dhamma.

He then was taken to a local police station and charged with impersonating a monk. The offence carries a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of up to 2,000 baht.

Narong Song-arom, director of the Chiang Mai Buddhism office, said Mr Boonmee dressed like a layman when he was in his house. Every morning, the suspect was seen driving a pickup truck or travelling in a hired vehicle to collect alms and solicit money at markets. On the way, Mr Boonmee changed his clothes into a monk robe, alleged Mr Narong.


Boonmee Pankaew, 58, a bogus monk, takes off his saffron robe
after being caught at his house in Chiang Mai.
(Photo by Cheewin Sattha)

Fake monk nabbed in Chiang Mai | Bangkok Post: news

Confucius say, man who masquerade as monk always told to get the frock out.

Is there a practical difference between this guy and a so called "real" monk?

Originally Posted by Necron99

Is there a practical difference between this guy and a so called "real" monk?

In today's practices, you'd have to press hard to find little difference.

Sad tale.

Originally Posted by thaimeme

Originally Posted by Necron99

Is there a practical difference between this guy and a so called "real" monk?

In today's practices, you'd have to press hard to find little difference.

Sad tale.

I doubt the average Thai would see a difference.
I took a bunch of the girls out for shopping in my truck, they had their groceries and shit in the tray and when we stopped for lunch I asked them if they wanted to lock them up in the cab. Their answer was no, if someone wanted them enough to steal them it would just be the same as offering tamboon at the temple.

I have seen him around quite often , it was quite obvious that he was nt a real monk.
He used to go around restaurants in the evenings asking berangs for donations

Originally Posted by Sumocakewalk

On the way, Mr Boonmee changed his clothes into a monk robe, alleged Mr Narong.

Clark Kent, mild-mannered monk...

Originally Posted by Fluke

I have seen him around quite often , it was quite obvious that he was nt a real monk.

I'm surprised you did nothing, Fluke...Unless you flipped him a coin or two...

Originally Posted by Fluke

asking berangs for donations

Were they chocolate coated berangs?...

At least, this one was begging for alms, like Buddhist monks are really supposed to do.

He'll find work in the police force, methinks...

Originally Posted by Fluke

asking berangs for donations

Do you mean foreigners, as in berlongs?

Originally Posted by withnallstoke

Originally Posted by Fluke

asking berangs for donations

Do you mean foreigners, as in berlongs?

Meaning, the Khmer term for Farang - Berang

Saw him again yesterday , hes still out going around asking for donations .

Hmmm...an identical twin bogus monk?

Or, perhaps a case of Thai style bogus 'law enforcement'.

Originally Posted by Fluke

Saw him again yesterday , hes still out going around asking for donations

Do something, Fluke, ffs...It's not like you to leave it alone...

Are you okay, mate?...