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In the face of a worsening economy, more and more men are using monks' saffron robes as a means of getting money from others.

"We have found an increasing number of monk impostors since last year, when the economy started to turn sour," Phra Rattanamethee said yesterday.

He heads the Buddhist clergy's patrol and monitoring division in Bangkok.

According to him, the latest case of a monk impostor was found just behind the Samiannaree Temple in Don Mueang district.

"He pleaded guilty," Phra Rattanamethee said. "He said that by acting like a monk he could get free food from religious people and share it with his daughter. And in the evening he could still live a normal life."

The impostor was reported to the police.

Phra Rattanamethee said impostors generally do not fear legal action because their offence carries a light punishment.

"Some impostors say they welcome the arrests because they always get free clothes from police as a replacement for the saffron robes that must be removed," the senior monk said.

In fact, many genuine monks who brought the impostors before police have reportedly agreed to give the no-gooders some money.

Phra Rattanamethee said a good economy and harsher punishment can stop the impostors.