Defrocked Monk Resurfaces in Village Market, Raising Concerns Among Villagers.

Bang Bua Thong: A defrocked monk, previously known for pretending to be disabled to collect money, has reappeared at a village market in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province, wearing white and engaging in similar activities. Villagers are urging authorities to take serious action against him. According to Thai News Agency, the individual involved, Mr. Nipon, has a history of misrepresenting himself as a monk. In 2014, he was discovered pretending to be disabled in Samut Prakan Province, using a cane for support and soliciting donations. Despite being defrocked, he was later re-ordained at a forest temple in Nong Bua Lamphu Province and found in the Bangkok area, leading to his arrest by the Phaya Thai Police Station. Charged with creating a nuisance, he was fined 100 baht and taken to Sangha Hospital for disrobing. This morning, reporters observed Mr. Nipon in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province, where he was seen wearing white and using a loud sound system to play Dhamma sermons. He drove a silver pickup truck, parked in an alley, and solicited donations from locals, causing complaints about disturbances and negative impacts on Buddhism's image. Local vendors expressed their discomfort, noting that Mr. Nipon's actions were inappropriate and deceptive. A fruit vendor reported seeing Mr. Nipon arriving early in the morning, chanting loudly and tricking people into making merit. He advised those wishing to make merit to be cautious to avoid scammers, and called for serious action from relevant authorities. Further investigation into Mr. Nipon's background reveals previous arrests for impersonating a monk, including six incidents before the current one. Before this latest appearance, he had been ordained at Wat Sa Kaeo in Nong Bua Lamphu Province and had traveled to collect money in Bangkok until police intervention. Mr. Kiattikun Tonyang, a member of the House of Representatives for Nonthaburi Province, commented on the case after receiving reports from villagers. He coordinated with local po lice to send patrols to the area, but Mr. Nipon had already fled. His actions may violate the Fundraising Control Act, carrying penalties of up to one month imprisonment or a 200 baht fine, and could potentially be considered a more serious offense involving threats or intimidation, punishable by up to one year in prison or a 10,000 baht fine. Mr. Tonyang requested cooperation from the public to report sightings of Mr. Nipon and record evidence.