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Landowner’s Complaint Leads to Eviction of 27 Individuals Appearing as Monks in Pathum Thani
On May 23rd, 2024, authorities in Pathum Thani received a concerning report from a private company in Nong Suea. It detailed the presence of a group of 30 to 50 individuals dressed as monks who had been frequenting the company’s premises throughout the year. Worried about potential misconduct that could tarnish the reputation of Buddhism, the company sought intervention.
In response, the Pathum Thani Office of Buddhism collaborated with relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation at the 20-rai location. The findings revealed over 27 men dressed as monks residing there. One individual, known only as Mr. Banthom, was discovered in possession of drug paraphernalia and admitted to consuming two amphetamine pills. Furthermore, three others were stripped of their monkhood: one for intoxication, one for lacking proper affiliation, and another for being rejected by his original affiliation.