Crime Monk Arrested in Ubon Ratchathani for Illegal Gun Trade and Drug Dealing

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

In a shocking case of criminal activity behind monastic robes, a 60-year-old monk has been arrested in Ubon Ratchathani for manufacturing and selling illegal firearms, with proceeds allegedly used to fund a methamphetamine distribution operation targeting local youths.

 

Police from Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Investigation Division, acting on intelligence from concerned villagers, raided Wat Ban Khaen in Don Mot Daeng district on 3 May. There, they apprehended Phra Somporn, also known as Mr Somporn, a resident monk, who was found in possession of a cache of homemade firearms and ammunition hidden inside his kuti (monk’s residence).

 

The seized items included:

 

• Three homemade long-barrelled guns

• One pipe-barrelled improvised rifle

• One homemade revolver

• One break-action gun

• One unidentified improvised firearm

• Ammunition: .38 calibre (3 rounds), .22 calibre (4 rounds), 9mm (3 rounds), and 7 blank rounds

 

The raid followed repeated reports from locals who claimed that the monk frequently displayed illegal weapons outside his kuti and was suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. Upon arrival, police noted that the monk appeared startled and suspicious, prompting an immediate search of the premises.

 

Phra Somporn confessed during questioning that he had manufactured the weapons for sale, primarily to local villagers and youths in surrounding communities. He further admitted that profits from gun sales were used to purchase methamphetamine pills, which he then resold to teenagers in the area.

 

Police also revealed that the monk had a prior criminal record, having previously served time for receiving stolen goods. He was immediately defrocked and taken into custody along with the seized weapons and ammunition. Formal charges have been laid, including illegal possession and manufacturing of firearms and ammunition, under The Firearms Act.

 

The suspect was transferred to Don Mot Daeng Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-05.