Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A monk from a well-known temple in Krabi was arrested in his monastic quarters after being found in possession of methamphetamine tablets and a firearm, following an anti-drug operation led by the district chief.

 

Mr Preecha Sa-ingthong, the district chief of Mueang Krabi, led a special task force from the district administration in a late-night operation on 17 June 2025. The raid resulted in the arrest of 45-year-old Mr Sanchai, known as Phra M, a monk residing at a temple in the Sai Thai subdistrict.

 

During a search of his kuti (monk’s quarters), officers discovered three methamphetamine pills hidden inside a toothpaste box, along with a .32-calibre handgun and a single bullet.

 

The monk admitted to obtaining the drugs from a man identified as Mr Ekaphop 39, an employee at a local hotel. Acting on this information, authorities raided the hotel premises and found 1,784 methamphetamine tablets and 36.9 grams of  hidden in a drinking water container under a housekeeper’s work desk. A digital scale was also seized.

 

Both men were charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine) and face legal proceedings. They reportedly confessed during initial questioning.

 

Phra M was immediately defrocked in coordination with the temple’s abbot following his arrest. Authorities also conducted urine drug tests on other monks at the temple, resulting in the discovery that one additional monk tested positive for narcotics. He was taken into custody for rehabilitation treatment.

 

The operation highlights ongoing concerns about drug trafficking networks operating within unexpected sectors of society, including religious institutions.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-19

 

 

 

Are there any honest decent monks out there.........

6 minutes ago, petermik said:

Are there any honest decent monks out there.........

Thailand's monkhood attracts a lot of low-life, bottom-feeding Thai males. Any down & out ratbag who has no money, no home, no job, no skills, no prospects, no family support, can just walk into a temple and receive free accommodation, free food, free gifts, and have people grovelling at his feet. The process of turning into a monk is instantaneous. Shave the head, change the clothes for a robe, and hey presto!