A monk caused panic at a hospital in Thailand after a toy gun attached to his phone case was mistaken for a real firearm.
The incident happened on Monday (10 Aug) at Chainat Narenthorn Hospital in Chai Nat province, where security personnel alerted Mueang Chai Nat Police Station after spotting what appeared to be a gun on a monk waiting for medication.
Officers arrived at the hospital and identified the monk as 46-year-old Monk Preeda Boonchuen (name transliterated from Thai), a resident monk from Wat Khao Rao Thian Thong in Noen Kham district.
At the time, Monk Preeda was waiting for his prescription after attending a medical appointment.
Source: Channel 8
A shiny gun-shaped object could be seen protruding from the pocket of his monastic vest, causing concern among patients and hospital staff.
However, police later discovered that the item was not a real weapon but a plastic toy gun attached to his mobile phone case.
Due to its realistic design and size, the accessory had caused bystanders to mistake it for an actual firearm.
According to Channel 8, Monk Preeda told police that he had bought the phone case on TikTok for 180 baht (about S$7), as he thought it looked unique and provided a comfortable grip.
He said he had no harmful intentions and did not expect the item to cause such panic.
Source: Channel 8
Police instructed him to remove the toy gun from the phone case and confiscated the item. Officers also warned him against using similar accessories in public as they could alarm others.
Monk Preeda acknowledged his mistake and apologised, saying he would not use the phone case again.
Pol Lt Col Chatchawan Mahasaranont (name transliterated from Thai), deputy superintendent for prevention and suppression at Mueang Chai Nat Police Station, said authorities are currently taking firearm-related concerns seriously following recent violent incidents.
He reminded the public that even imitation weapons, including toys that resemble firearms, can cause fear and disruption.
Authorities urged people to avoid carrying realistic-looking weapon replicas in public places.
Also read: Police in Thailand alerted to man running with ‘bomb vest’, turns out it’s just sandbag workout gear
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Featured image adapted from Channel 8.