Authorities in Hua Hin recently arrested a 29-year-old man, identified as Mr. Wichai from Nakhon Sawan Province, on charges of fraudulently posing as a monk. The arrest took place after Mr. Wichai was found using religious attire and paraphernalia to deceive others into believing he was a legitimate monk, thereby soliciting donations under false pretenses.
Mr. Wichai reportedly visited the Hua Hin Tourist Police Station, carrying a packet of pharai and a certificate from a monastery in Sam Roi Yot District, Prachuap Province. He claimed he was raising funds to build a bathroom and cover electricity bills for the monastery. In response, the police at the station collected 430 baht and handed it to him in an envelope. However, when the officers later contacted the monastery, they discovered that no such fundraising activity was authorized, and no Pha Pa Samakkhi ceremony was taking place.
Shortly afterward, Hua Hin Police Station received a radio alert about a monk soliciting money near Somthawin School in Hua Hin. Upon investigation, they found that the individual was the same person who had earlier visited the Tourist Police Station. He was subsequently brought in for questioning, where he admitted that he was not a monk. Mr. Wichai confessed to using the robes, angsa, and other religious items to disguise himself as a monk to more easily collect money from the public. He admitted that his fraudulent activities had been successful until his arrest.
The police confiscated the items used in the deception, including robes, a waist band, a ramie bag, and the fraudulent certificate. Mr. Wichai was then taken to Hua Hin Police Station for further legal proceedings.
It was reported that the arrest was carried out by a team led by Pol. Col. Kampanat Na Wichai, Superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, with assistance from Pol. Lt. Col. Woraporn Phalanivong, Deputy Superintendent, and officers from the Hua Hin Tourist Police.
