Antal indlæg: 888 Tilmeldt: 19.12.11 Status: Offline
CHON BURI - A notorious monk, who once was caught on video counting bundles of banknotes on a roadside, has got himself into trouble with the law after a chase involving police and reporters, before he was taken to a local chief monk for further questioning.
Phra Mahaniphon was detained by police and fined for failing to renew his car's registration and failing to produce a driver's licence.
On Wednesday, a news reporter spotted the monk inside a van parked near Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya. The monk quickly drove off as the reporter approached him, leading to the chase.
The reporter called police for help and officers were able to intercept the van. However, the monk refused to get out of the vehicle, prompting officers to bring in a tow truck and haul it to Muang Pattaya police station with the monk still inside.
The holy man finally disembarked and exchanged heated words with police and reporters, saying he had done nothing wrong.
On June 2, the 52-year-old Phra Mahaniphon was spotted counting bundles of banknotes on a Pattaya roadside and video-taped.
He was previously fined for failing to produce a driver's licence in Phatthalung province. Police found various herbs and appliances in his van, but no illegal substances.
Phra Mahaniphon told police that the money found in the vehicle was donated by Buddhist followers and that he would use the money to build new monasteries.
"I'm not soliciting money. The Tipitaka scripture does not prohibit monks from driving a car. I do not understand why I am in police custody," the monk said.
He was fined 800-baht on the two charges. Police took him to the chief monk in Chon Buri for further questioning to determine whether Phra Mahaniphon should be disrobed.
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