27-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Two Buddhist monks were apprehended on Thursday for allegedly hunting wild animals within the confines of the Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum province, as reported by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on Friday.
According to a statement posted on Facebook by the department, park rangers were utilising the Suomi NPP satellite to monitor for potential hotspots within the sanctuary located in Nong Bua Daeng district, aimed at forest fire prevention. During this surveillance, they spotted a group of hunters operating within the protected area.
Upon arrival at the scene, officials were met with gunfire, with the assailants firing three shots before most of the group dispersed into the forest. However, authorities managed to apprehend two individuals, identified as a Buddhist monk and a novice monk, both hailing from a monastery in the province.
The suspects, still clad in traditional monk’s saffron robes, allegedly confessed that the group consisted of nine members. Among the fugitives, three were identified as monks, with one holding a position as an ecclesiastical provincial deputy governor.
Subsequent searches of the suspects’ campsite led to the discovery of a .22 caliber handgun, a homemade firearm, ammunition, and seven backpacks.
Following the arrest of the two suspects, who were then transported to Non Mao Police Station to face charges, officials continued their efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining individuals involved, stated the department.
