Police File Charges Against Entertainer for Mocking Buddhism
Police in Lampang filed charges against a male singer for wearing monastic robes and performing obscene dances at an entertainment venue in Koh Kha district, violating laws against religious insult and illegal clergy impersonation.
Lampang's Provincial Buddhist Office has filed a complaint with Koh Kha Police against a male singer at an entertainment venue for insulting and desecrating Buddhism. The performer wore yellow clothing resembling monastic robes while dancing in an obscene manner. Authorities are intensifying efforts to arrest and prosecute the offender.
On September 11 at 11 p.m., officers received a tip and found evidence on social media showing the performance at the entertainment venue in Koh Kha district. The male singer wore yellow cloth resembling monastic robes—an identifying mark of ordained Buddhist monks—and performed indecent dance moves before a large audience.
Sumet Wangkhaoom, 51, a senior religious affairs officer at Koh Kha Police Station, filed the complaint on behalf of Khunkit Pramonuchanon, director of Lampang's Provincial Buddhist Office, with Deputy Superintendent Kan-kwai Mithum of Koh Kha Police to pursue charges.
The charges filed include: (1) Religious insult under Criminal Code Section 206 for desecrating yellow cloth and monastic robes held sacred in Buddhism; (2) Illegal impersonation of clergy under Criminal Code Section 208; (3) Potential lewd conduct in public under Criminal Code Section 388; and (4) Violations of the Entertainment Venue Act of 1966 requiring venue operators to prevent indecent performances.
Authorities are investigating to identify the performer, supporters, and all involved parties for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
