Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Authorities in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, have arrested a monk involved in methamphetamine and crystal meth (ice) distribution, seizing 492 meth pills and 72 grams of ice hidden in household items. The arrest followed a tip-off from the public via the LINE app group “BROKEN DOWN BANGLAMUNG.” The monk was found at a two-storey residence in Soi Thetsaban 1, Huay Yai 27, visibly shocked when authorities arrived.

 

The investigation, led by District Chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon, involved local administrative officers, police from Huay Yai station and narcotics control officials. During a search of the monk’s room on the second floor, drugs were discovered hidden under cupboards, in containers and inside gift boxes. A follow-up search at the monk’s affiliated temple uncovered an additional 29 meth pills and drug paraphernalia concealed in a microwave.

 

The monk admitted ownership of the drugs, claiming he had taken over supplies from a detained associate to use and sell locally. He reportedly sold meth pills at 50 baht each and ice at 400 baht per gram, primarily to teenagers in the area. Tests also confirmed the presence of illegal substances in his system.

 

Authorities escorted the monk to the temple abbot to formally renounce his monastic status before taking him into custody. The seized items were taken to Bang Lamung District Office for processing and subsequently handed over to Huay Yai police for legal proceedings.

 

District Chief Patcharapat encouraged residents with any drug-related tips to report via the LINE app to assist local authorities in preventing further offences and maintaining community safety.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A monk in Bang Lamung was arrested with 492 meth pills and 72 grams of ice hidden in household items.

• The monk admitted personal use and local sale of the drugs, primarily targeting teenagers.

• Authorities are pursuing formal legal action following his renunciation of monastic status.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-09-19

 

 

 

 

A lot of people like to bang on about the criminality and lawlessness in and around Pattaya-Jomtien, but the real badlands and badasses are out in Huay Yai where even the monks are bent.

35 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The monk admitted personal use and local sale of the drugs, primarily targeting teenagers.

 

Did they defrocked him?

 

 

 

I think Monks are a cover for organized crime. 

8 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

Did they defrocked him?

 

 

 

Authorities escorted the monk to the temple abbot to formally renounce his monastic status before taking him into custody. 

From the OP.

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

A lot of people like to bang on about the criminality and lawlessness in and around Pattaya-Jomtien, but the real badlands and badasses are out in Huay Yai where even the monks are bent.

It would be hard to  find an institution or office in this country where corruption and criminality is not ingrained. Be it in those that are supposed to protect, or those that spiritually guide, down to getting some bureaucratic nonsense stamped!

And the saga continues, and the Sangha Council stays quiet. Time for criminal background check before entering the monkhood.

3 hours ago, TedG said:

I think Monks are a cover for organized crime. 

I keep telling my missus that. Deep down she knows it but .................

25 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Time for criminal background check before entering the monkhood.

You're having a laugh ain't you? My BiL done time as a monk even after doing 2 years for attempted murder and drug offences.

28 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

And the saga continues, and the Sangha Council stays quiet. Time for criminal background check before entering the monkhood.

They join the monkhood to avoid criminal charges.

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The arrest followed a tip-off from the public via the LINE app group “BROKEN DOWN BANGLAMUNG.”

A good idea saving the police hours of work outside their offices.

20 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

You're having a laugh ain't you? My BiL done time as a monk even after doing 2 years for attempted murder and drug offences.

Like living in Oz, perhaps the criminal record is obligatory!

On 9/18/2025 at 6:23 PM, TedG said:

I think Monks are a cover for organized crime. 

 

Most are on the up and up. 

Some criminals hide there though. 

23 hours ago, jacko45k said:

It would be hard to  find an institution or office in this country where corruption and criminality is not ingrained. Be it in those that are supposed to protect, or those that spiritually guide, down to getting some bureaucratic nonsense stamped!

Yup. Luckily Mom & Pop shops always have a smile when selling beer at 06:25 or 01:30. No photocopier required there.🙃🙃

On 9/19/2025 at 8:43 AM, IvorBiggun2 said:

You're having a laugh ain't you? My BiL done time as a monk even after doing 2 years for attempted murder and drug offences.

No, i am not laughing. I know how it is now. What I did, was to post what needs to be done.

Ah.

Not been a naughty Monk story for a few days.

Good to see them back on form again. 

On 9/18/2025 at 3:23 PM, TedG said:

I think Monks are a cover for organized crime. 

its well known if you lived in Thailand long enough, you will read and see for yourself most monks are former criminals attempting to hide from the law or partake in criminal activities for monetary gains. as often discussed, Thai Buddhism is broken and its getting worse every day. the once revered Sangha is a nothing more than a body of elderly monks who have lost control over their members. 

On 9/18/2025 at 6:38 PM, IvorBiggun2 said:

I keep telling my missus that. Deep down she knows it but .................

my wife has lost complete respect for them years ago and these ongoing stories just validate her doubts even further. 

On 9/19/2025 at 3:35 PM, save the frogs said:

 

Most are on the up and up. 

Some criminals hide there though. 

my wife thinks that if Thai boys join the monkhood at an early age, they have a very chance of staying on the righteous path since they are not influenced by the corruption yet.

but the ones that joined later in life esp. if they have a criminal background are just thieves hiding out in the den and waiting for another opportunity to commit crimes. 

On 9/19/2025 at 2:19 AM, Gottfrid said:

Time for criminal background check before entering the monkhood.

 

If they have tatoos all over their bodies, throw them out.

On 9/19/2025 at 8:19 AM, Gottfrid said:

And the saga continues, and the Sangha Council stays quiet. Time for criminal background check before entering the monkhood.

Maybe it's time to check the management of the Sangha Council first.

Just now, Mason45 said:

Maybe it's time to check the management of the Sangha Council first.

I have 2 brother inlaws who are both monks, their wat is in the country side outside of Korat. The conditions where they live are squalid. Monks aren't allowed to share accomodation, even with their brothers. The abott lives in a room which would be around a medium range price for a 2 bedroom condo in Pattaya. Where did the money come from to set that up? As I stated several times in here, the Dalai Lama was asked in a tv interview what was his thoughts on Thai Buddhism. He smirked at the guy doing the interview and said next question please.