A fake monk from Chaiyaphum was arrested for soliciting alms to fund his drug habit.
Sakorn Kamboonked, 47, was arrested after Sattahip officers said he was acting suspiciously. Dressed like a monk, complete with a Phra Rod Lumpoon amulet, he was collecting alms from shoppers at the Bangsarae Market.
Under questioning, Sakorn admitted he was not really a monk but was severely addicted to methamphetamines. He apologized to those who gave him the 2,900 baht in his alms bowl, saying he needed the money to buy more drugs.
He was charged with use of a Class 1 narcotic after failing a drug test.