Singer Mocks Monk Costume on Stage; Venue Faces Charges
A performer at a Lampang entertainment venue was charged after mocking Buddhist monks on stage in a costume, violating religious insult laws that carry penalties up to seven years imprisonment. The venue also faces prosecution for hosting o
A video circulating on social media shows a performer at a well-known entertainment venue in Muang District, Lampang, dressed in yellow robes and performing indecent gestures on stage while mimicking a trending news story. The incident has drawn considerable criticism from Buddhists and Lampang residents who object to the mockery of religion in an entertainment context.
Kunngit Promnutchanan, Director of the Lampang Provincial Buddhist Office, filed a formal complaint with Lieutenant Wichiea Jaisanklong, an investigator at Muang Lampang Police Station, requesting an investigation and prosecution for inappropriate conduct. The charges fall under criminal law Section 206, which prohibits religious insult and carries penalties of one to seven years imprisonment or fines of 20,000 to 140,000 baht, or both. Additional charges under Section 208 prohibit improperly wearing or displaying symbols of monks, novices, or religious clergy, with penalties of up to one year imprisonment or 20,000 baht fine, or both. Additional charges may apply under Section 388.
On the evening of September 14, the performer appeared at Muang Lampang Police Station with the costume worn during the incident for formal questioning and legal proceedings.
Muang Lampang District Officer Thanarat Saitep instructed district security officials to inspect the entertainment venue in coordination with police. The venue is suspected of hosting obscene performances and has been reported to Muang Lampang Police for prosecution under the Entertainment Venue Act of 1966, Section 19, which requires licensees to control entertainment performances to prevent obscene content. Violations carry penalties of up to three years imprisonment or 60,000 baht fine, or both, with the possibility of license suspension or revocation.
Kunngit Promnutchanan stated that while the incident is concerning, it should not have occurred, expressing regret that religion—a spiritual cornerstone of the people—should not be mocked. He noted that Lampang Province is known as a peaceful area and has reported the matter to the Provincial Governor with instructions to prosecute the offender fully without hesitation.
