Thai Authorities Remove Fake Monks After Donation Scam

Thai Authorities Remove Fake Monks After Donation Scam

Pattaya, Feb. 12, 2026 — Authorities in Pattaya detained two men accused of posing as Buddhist monks while soliciting donations from the public, municipal officials said on Thursday.

City enforcement officers became suspicious after observing the pair collecting money during morning alms rounds in the Buakhao Soi 15 area. An inspection of their monk identification documents revealed irregularities, prompting officials to contact the temple the men claimed to represent.

The temple later confirmed that neither individual was registered as a monk.

The two men were taken to Wat Chaimongkol, where the abbot formally conducted a disrobing ceremony in line with Buddhist protocol before authorities returned them to their home provinces.

Pattaya officials said the action was aimed at protecting residents and tourists from deception and preventing the misuse of religious status for financial gain.

Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of individuals falsely claiming monastic affiliation.