Police Arrest Monk in Romance Scam That Netted Hundreds of Thousands
Police arrested a 65-year-old monk in Bangkok who unknowingly allowed his bank account to be used in a romance scam that defrauded a victim of over 200,000 baht. The suspect claimed he was coerced into opening the accounts years earlier and
On July 18, 2025, police arrested Phra Suriya, also known as Suriyan, 65, at a well-known temple in Bangkok's Jatujak district on the strength of a criminal court warrant issued May 7, 2025. The case stems from 2024, when a victim was contacted via a mobile app by a scammer posing as a foreign singer. The suspect built a romantic relationship with the victim through what is known as a romance scam, then claimed to be sending gifts but said he faced expenses and needed money transferred to designated accounts multiple times. Total losses exceeded 200,000 baht.
After discovering the fraud, the victim filed a report at Bueng Kum Police Station. Investigators found that one of the receiving bank accounts belonged to Suriyan, obtained a court warrant, and discovered he had fled by ordaining as a monk at a temple in Jatujak. During questioning, Suriyan confessed to all charges. He claimed that in 2566 while working and living in the Huai Lampong area, a man named Bom—whose real name and surname are unknown—convinced him to open two bank accounts in exchange for 300 baht in wages and one meal. Suriyan handed over both accounts to Bom, later attempted to recover them but was unsuccessful and lost contact. He decided to ordain as a monk three years ago.
Authorities conducted a laicization ceremony before transferring him to Bueng Kum Police Station investigators. He faces charges of abetting fraud by impersonation, assisting in computer fraud, and knowingly allowing others to use his bank accounts, savings account cards, or electronic payment accounts. Legal proceedings continue.
