On May 23rd, 2024, the Pathum Thani Office of Buddhism received a report from a private company in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani, regarding a group of 30 to 50 individuals dressed as monks gathering at the company’s private location.


The complaint indicated that these individuals, appearing as Buddhist monks, had been frequenting the area throughout the year. The company expressed concerns over potential illegal activities that could harm the religion’s reputation.


In response, the Pathum Thani Office of Buddhism coordinated with relevant agencies to conduct a field inspection at the 20-rai location. The initial report confirmed that more than 27 men dressed as monks were residing there.

Among them, an individual identified only as Mr. Banthom was found with drug paraphernalia and admitted to the police that he had consumed two amphetamine pills. Additionally, three other individuals were expelled from the monkhood: one for being intoxicated, one for lacking proper affiliation, and another for not being accepted by his original affiliation.

The remaining 23 individuals are still under investigation as of press time.

The Pathum Thani Office of Buddhism decided that the group must vacate the premises within three days.


According to Thai national media, Mr. Teerawat Hemmara, a lawyer representing the landowner’s company, stated that a partner of the company had allowed monks to reside at the location 10 years ago.


However, this partner lacked the authority to make such decisions regarding the land. The company only recently became aware of the monks’ presence and subsequently filed the complaint with the Pathum Thani Office of Buddhism to initiate the investigation, Teerawat explained.

Landowner's Complaint Leads to Eviction of 27 Individuals Appearing as Monks in Pathum Thani - The Pattaya News