Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

A 55-year-old monk in Mukdahan province was defrocked and arrested after allegedly brandishing a homemade firearm while intoxicated and threatening local residents. Authorities later discovered bottles of alcohol in his living quarters at the temple.

 

The incident occurred in the afternoon of 1 April in Nong Waeng subdistrict, Nikhom Kham Soi district. A video recorded by residents showed the monk, later identified as Phra Thongphun, walking from a local temple in an intoxicated state. He reportedly claimed that there were three firearms at the temple and that he was carrying one. He was also heard confronting locals, asking, “Do you have a problem with me? Do you want to die?”

 

Concerned residents reported the matter to district officials. Teerawat Meekham, Deputy District Chief for Security, led a team of district security officers and police from Nikhom Kham Soi Police Station to investigate.

 

Authorities found Phra Thongphun in a drunken state, speaking incoherently. A search of his quarters uncovered a homemade firearm. He was taken to meet Phra Khru Wachirathampinit Aruno, the chief monk of Nikhom Kham Soi district, who formally defrocked him.

 

Further inspection of his living quarters revealed three bottles of white liquor and leftover food, suggesting he had been drinking heavily. Local residents reported that he was not originally from the temple but had been staying there for only two days before the incident.

 

A witness, identified only as Ms. B 22, stated that she knew Phra Thongphun because she had previously dated his nephew. She recounted that on the day of the incident, the monk had been searching for a 13-year-old disciple but, after failing to find him, became agitated. He allegedly drew his gun and threatened to harm those sitting nearby. Fearing for their safety, Ms. B contacted the authorities.

 

The former monk has been taken into custody and is being held at Mukdahan Provincial Court. He faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition without a permit and will be prosecuted according to the law.

 

 

-- 2025-04-03

 

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities later discovered bottles of alcohol in his living quarters at the temple.

 

Throw him out!

33 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

Throw him out!

 

They have

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A 55-year-old monk in Mukdahan province was defrocked

 

On 4/3/2025 at 4:48 AM, Georgealbert said:

the monk had been searching for a 13-year-old disciple

 

Oo-er...