Frock-blocked: Hit-and-run cop who killed doctor rejected by monkhood

Religious authorities today took the unusual step of preventing a cop seeking atonement for killing a woman from being ordained as a monk. 

Under pressure to intervene, the National Office of Buddhism cited bylaws of the monkhood’s organizing body to bar Lance Cpl. Norawich Buadok, who killed a doctor with an unregistered motorcycle as she crossed a street, from being ceremonially ordained today because he was involved in an ongoing criminal investigation.

“The Sangha Supreme Council clearly states that criminal suspects cannot be ordained,” director Sipbavorn Kaew-ngam told reporters, citing the relevant rule of the Supreme Sangha Council.

Such ordainment is often a shortcut to public redemption – and avoiding consequences – for those of status. Up until this afternoon’s announcement, eyes were rolling across Bangkok as calls for systemic change…