Nonthaburi: A brutal debt collector gang broke into a monk's quarters and used a gun to hit a monk before abducting him and assaulting him.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chutatip, the younger sister of Phra Phrompong, a monk at a temple in Mueang Nonthaburi District, reported that on April 19, two men on a motorcycle came to the monk's quarters demanding repayment of a 10,000 baht loan. When the monk was unable to pay, one of the collectors brandished a gun and struck the monk in the face. The assailants then forced him to change into lay clothes, abducted him on their motorcycle, and took him to Soi Krungthep Nonthaburi 2, eventually taking him to Pak Kret where they assaulted him further. The injured monk was later abandoned on the roadside and had to struggle to find a taxi to reach his sister for assistance.
Ms. Chutatip recounted her shock upon seeing her brother arrive at her home with visible injuries, including a bloody nose. He collapsed immediately upon entry, prompting her to rush him to the hospital. Medical examinations revealed multiple injuries, including broken facial bones, a fractured left jaw, and a broken nose. The monk required surgery and an extended hospital stay.
While the monk was hospitalized, other monks from the temple suggested that he disrobe, claiming that it would facilitate his recovery. A date for his disrobing was set for May 6th.
Mr. Boonthipat Charoenliha, a representative of the Kla Ta Kla page, condemned the incident as an act of intimidation and illegal trespassing involving a weapon. He pledged to coordinate with the chief of Nonthaburi City Police Station to swiftly track down the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.