Report Temple Scandal: Monks Arrested for Drugs and Fraud

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

In a bold move to uphold monastic discipline, Surat Thani authorities have discovered two monks violating the law during an inspection at Wat Si Thawip temple in Koh Samui. The crackdown revealed one monk using drugs and another facing legal charges, resulting in their immediate defrocking and arrest.

 

Led by Jarae Tungkaew of Koh Samui’s security division, supported by local defence volunteers and police officers from Koh Samui Police Station and the Tourist Police, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to enforce discipline within the temple community. At the heart of this action was a routine drug test administered to seven monks residing in the Ang Thong subdistrict temple.

 

The test results were startling. Boonchob, a 42-year-old resident monk, tested positive for drugs, raising concerns about substance abuse within the temple. Meanwhile, another resident monk, Phongphet, also 42, was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for fraud. With the remaining monks testing negative and no illegal substances discovered in the premises, the focus remained sharply on the two errant monks.

 

In strict adherence to monastic regulations, both Boonchob and Phongphet were defrocked. Boonchob is now undergoing rehabilitation, while Phongphet has been taken into custody by Koh Samui Police Station, facing further legal proceedings for fraud.

 

This isn't an isolated incident. Just last month, a similar operation took place as part of a wider crackdown led by Phichit Governor Thaneya Naipinit, targeting drug use in temples. This saw five monks from the Taphan Hin district test positive for drugs during surprise checks on August 11 and 12. They too were defrocked and sent for rehabilitation, highlighting a significant push towards reform within the monastic community.

 

Operating under the slogan "No Drugs, No Dealers," this campaign aims to purify religious sanctuaries and restore faith among devotees. Spearheaded by Suphot Rattanarungruang and Wongsthorn Butsen from the district security team, over 10 officers have been involved in testing across 36 temples within Taphan Hin district. The district, housing 232 monks and novices, is now under close scrutiny to prevent further breaches.

 

The crackdown reflects a broader movement to ensure temples remain centres of spiritual purity, untainted by illegal activities. The actions of the Koh Samui authorities serve as a stern reminder that religious figures are not above the law and must adhere to societal norms.

 

In the wake of these actions, local communities have expressed mixed feelings. While there’s a strong support for maintaining the sanctity of temples, there's also a sense of unease about the prevalence of such issues. The enforcement measures, however, underscore a firm commitment to addressing and rectifying these problems.

 

As these reform initiatives continue, the impact on the monastic community and its followers remains closely monitored. For now, the message is clear: monks are expected to be paragons of virtue, and those who stray will face both spiritual and legal consequences. By reaffirming this commitment, the authorities aim to restore trust and integrity within religious institutions—a goal crucial for preserving their revered status in Thai society.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-20

 

[Gottfrid]

The new Monk story. Directly from the hood!

[Will B Good]

 

 

 

Am I jumping the gun....or do I detect a pattern of misbehaviour developing here?