BANGKOK, Thailand – A scuffle broke out between a monk and a man in the early morning of October 25 outside Pichai Market, prompting bystanders to intervene to prevent further injury.
At around 7:40 a.m., the Chalee Thaan temple radio center received a report of a man assaulting a monk. Authorities found that the man, later identified as Apisit Satpanroj, 31, had fled about 1 kilometer into a nearby housing area before being apprehended by police. Witnesses noted that Apisit appeared intoxicated and incoherent.
CCTV footage from 7:37 a.m. shows Apisit, wearing a red T-shirt, jeans, and sandals, approaching the monk for alms. A verbal disagreement quickly escalated, with the monk striking Apisit in the face. Apisit retaliated with a punch to the monk’s mouth, causing the monk to fall. Nearby bystanders intervened, leading to a brief chaotic scuffle before Apisit fled the scene.
Ms. Noon, a popcorn vendor at the market, said she saw the man approach the monk to ask for food, but he spoke in a way that upset the monk. “The monk struck first, then the man hit back, and the monk fell with a split lip,” she explained. Bystanders immediately ran in to help, and the man ran off toward the market.
Apisit is currently in police custody at Pak Kret Police Station for further investigation. The monk has not yet filed a formal complaint. Authorities are reviewing the incident to determine any further legal action.
