In a shocking case that has sparked public outrage, a senior monk from a well-known temple in Chiang Mai’s Hang Dong district was involved in a serious traffic collision. The incident, reported by the social media page, “Esor Khayee News,” on October 30, revealed that the monk, who held the title of Phra Khru, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he drove his pickup truck and collided with a car driven by a prison director, leaving the latter critically injured.

 

According to the initial report, the crash occurred in the morning of October 24 at a three-way intersection near a Bangchak gas station on the Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road. Police and emergency responders arrived on the scene to find the monk’s pickup truck severely damaged on the front left side. Authorities noted that the driver was visibly intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level recorded at 155 milligrams per deciliter.

 

The other vehicle involved, a car, was found on the sidewalk with significant damage along its left side. The driver, later identified as Mr. Phongsakorn, also known as “Director Arm,” suffered severe injuries, including fractured ribs and internal injuries. As the Director of Mind Development at Lamphun Central Prison, he was reportedly on his way to work when the pickup truck veered across lanes and struck his car. Emergency medical teams transported him to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, where he remains in critical condition in the ICU.

 

The incident has fueled public criticism due to the monk’s behaviour following the crash. Despite the severity of the collision, it was reported that the monk did not visit or inquire about the victim’s condition. Instead, he continued his religious duties, including accepting donations during Kathin ceremonies. The monk was granted bail shortly after his arrest, reportedly claiming that he needed to fulfill his religious obligations.

 

This incident has sparked a wave of public debate, with many questioning the decision to grant bail to the monk given the circumstances and the extent of the injuries sustained by the prison director.

 

Picture from responders. CCTV below.

-- 2024-10-31

 

 

 

 

 

Absolutely ridiculous. Conservative Thailand will take action. 

8 hours ago, theblether said:

Absolutely ridiculous. Conservative Thailand will take action. 

Should have been defrocked immediately.

3 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Should have been defrocked immediately.

Agreed.

If the alcohol tests are beyond doubt he should not only be defrocked but charged with a serious crime.

Hopefully the outcome will be several years behind bars.

It will all depend on how well-connected he is and how much money he can raise for his "defence".

TIT.

UPDATE
Abbot Disrobed After Drunken Driving Incident

 

 

 

The abbot has agreed to disrobe after a drunken driving incident in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, severely injured the director of Lamphun Central Prison.

 

On the morning of October 31, Phra Yothin appeared at Hang Dong Police Station to face charges, including driving under the influence, reckless driving causing property damage, reckless driving causing severe injury, and driving without a license.

 

Following the incident, the Chiang Mai provincial clergy council ruled that Phra Yothin should be defrocked. With approval from the chief monk of Chiang Mai, the deputy district monk defrocked Yothin at Kamphaeng Ngam Temple in Hang Dong Subdistrict.

 

The incident has raised concerns within the community about accountability and behaviour standards among religious leaders.

 

-- 2024-11-01

 

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The abbot has agreed to disrobe after a drunken driving incident in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, severely injured the director of Lamphun Central Prison.

He has agreed. WOW! Soo, nice of him. Somehow, I don´t think that was his choice to make.

Wow being fired as a monk must be a big loss of face.

   I thought that they were not supposed to own anything, or drivee etc. ,

but have read many stories of monks driving and getting into trouble.

Why was he driving in the first place ? with all the free "reserved" seats they get all over airports, public transport and so on !!

On 10/31/2024 at 9:52 PM, Georgealbert said:

The abbot has agreed to disrobe after a drunken driving incident in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, severely injured the director of Lamphun Central Prison.

 

Disrobe how, about prisontime