A monk disguised by wearing a wig was arrested for drink-driving in Surin after police discovered a firearm, ammunition, and a female companion inside his vehicle. The incident occurred at 00:05 on 27 March 2026 during a police checkpoint operation on Krungsri Nok Road in Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang Surin District. Authorities confirmed the driver was intoxicated and in possession of items that raised both legal and disciplinary concerns.

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Surin Provincial Police, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Sukon Sriarun, had set up the checkpoint with support from senior officers including Pol. Col. Chainarong Boonduang, Pol. Col. Suchok Pumeechokchai, and Pol. Col. Ekphong Pholmani. Officers stopped a Chevrolet four-door pickup truck with Surin licence plates after noticing irregularities. The driver, later identified as Mr Supawat, 42, showed signs of intoxication and failed a breathalyser test with a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit.

Further inspection revealed a female passenger, Mrs Sumonthatip, 46, whose behaviour appeared suspicious. A search of the vehicle uncovered a 9mm pistol and ammunition concealed inside her handbag. She was detained and initially charged with illegal possession and carrying of a firearm in public without permission.

Police also found 123,814 baht in cash and monk’s robes, including an anga, sabong, and waist girdle, inside the vehicle. Subsequent investigation confirmed that Mr Supawat is an ordained monk residing at a forest monastery in Tha Tum District, Surin Province. Mrs Sumonthatip later admitted the firearm belonged to him and said she had previously claimed responsibility out of concern for the legal and monastic consequences he might face.

The case has raised concerns over misconduct involving members of the clergy and potential breaches of both civil law and monastic discipline. Authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies to verify the monk’s status and determine appropriate disciplinary action alongside criminal proceedings.

ThaiRath reported that both individuals were taken into custody and handed over to investigators for further legal action. Police stated that enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and any additional offences that may apply.

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 28 Mar 2026

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It’s always disappointing to see a monk fall so far short of the discipline expected of the Sangha, but it’s also a reminder that monks are human beings with human weaknesses.

Thai Buddhism itself isn’t diminished by one person’s actions, only the individual is responsible.

Cases like this simply highlight why vigilance, proper oversight, and sincere practice matter so much within the monastic community.

2 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

It’s always disappointing to see a monk fall so far short of the discipline expected of the Sangha, but it’s also a reminder that monks are human beings with human weaknesses.

So same as the pedophile Catholic priests then?

3 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

It’s always disappointing to see a monk fall so far short of the discipline expected of the Sangha, but it’s also a reminder that monks are human beings with human weaknesses.

Thai Buddhism itself isn’t diminished by one person’s actions, only the individual is responsible.

Cases like this simply highlight why vigilance, proper oversight, and sincere practice matter so much within the monastic community.

Hmm, yes, folks should be as guarded with anyone no matter what they’re wearing. They are just hooman-beings after all and totally fallible. Be cool, polite and accommodating, but ultimately trust no-one. 🙂

6 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

It’s always disappointing to see a monk fall so far short of the discipline expected of the Sangha, but it’s also a reminder that monks are human beings with human weaknesses.

Thai Buddhism itself isn’t diminished by one person’s actions, only the individual is responsible.

Cases like this simply highlight why vigilance, proper oversight, and sincere practice matter so much within the monastic community.

You are totally right, that Buddhism is not diminished by one person´s actions. How about the reality? 75-100 on a yearly basis, that we get to read and hear about. It that still okay? After that, you have all the ones who do not get caught. Thankfully, the vast majority of Thai people have still not lost faith in the religion and monkhood, but it´s high time they start to implement rules and regulations that really works. In the long run, this will be a much bigger problem for them than it is today.

I know that I'm already going to the other place but I laughed when I read that header..... the mental image that conjured up was just too good not to laugh at

...Just Concern...(?)

...Nothing More...(?)

Monk and GF: not allowed but somehow understandable

Drunk driving: human error and should be punished for endangering others

Having a gun: deliberately carrying something that can kill or seriously harm others. This kind of things should only be produced for law enforcement, having a firearm as a private person should be automatically lifetime..

Monks behaving badly is par for the course in Thailand; the days when I used to look on these guys with some awe are long gone.

40 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

You are totally right, that Buddhism is not diminished by one person´s actions. How about the reality? 75-100 on a yearly basis, that we get to read and hear about. It that still okay? After that, you have all the ones who do not get caught. Thankfully, the vast majority of Thai people have still not lost faith in the religion and monkhood, but it´s high time they start to implement rules and regulations that really works. In the long run, this will be a much bigger problem for them than it is today.

I have 2 brother in laws who joined the monk hood in recent years. My wife told me they just rocked up and a few days later they were both ordained. No references were requested so they were both accepted on their word. Neither have had any convictions so everything has fallen into place. I remember several years ago when the Dalai Lama was being interviewed on Youtube. His comments were rather interesting until he was asked about Buddhism in Thailand. He paused then politely said next question please, with a wry grin on his face.

5 hours ago, gargamon said:

So same as the pedophile Catholic priests then?

Except this guy might get defrocked and not be totally protected his Buddhist hierarchy. With the catholic priests, they got well protected.

If anyone doesn't know the background to this watch the movie called Spotlight. Also, where I was brought, up exactly the same thing happened as is shown in Spotlight. The priest buggering little boys got shifted to another location, rather than a jail cell, and carried on regardless. Still to this day nobody has ever gone to jail for that.

2 hours ago, nausea said:

Monks behaving badly is par for the course in Thailand; the days when I used to look on these guys with some awe are long gone.

I was thinking along the same lines ...... but, ... it's more like a triple bogey on a par 3

Go big or stay home

Well, cash, gun plus ammo, woman, boozy DUI, driving a vehicle, and after midnight... blimey, did he forget any laws not to break whilst driving, especially as a monk? Pretty messy monk to be honest and it seems like just a continual stream of errant monk stories these days... out of control.

Doesn't mean you're a bad person

30 minutes ago, Sir Dude said:

Well, cash, gun plus ammo, woman, boozy DUI, driving a vehicle, and after midnight... blimey, did he forget any laws not to break whilst driving, especially as a monk? Pretty messy monk to be honest and it seems like just a continual stream of errant monk stories these days... out of control.

There'll be a hot time in the old town tonight.

I'm sure the monk had a reasonable explanation for all of this.

5 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

You are totally right, that Buddhism is not diminished by one person´s actions. How about the reality? 75-100 on a yearly basis, that we get to read and hear about. It that still okay? After that, you have all the ones who do not get caught. Thankfully, the vast majority of Thai people have still not lost faith in the religion and monkhood, but it´s high time they start to implement rules and regulations that really works. In the long run, this will be a much bigger problem for them than it is today.

You could apply the same to the Catholic Clergy around the world, how many of them escaped the net.

20 minutes ago, StevieAus said:

You could apply the same to the Catholic Clergy around the world, how many of them escaped the net.

Sure, but that doesn´t make it less wrong?

Soon to be a major motion picture: A Fistful of Dharma. 

Or: Blazing Saddhus.

I'll see myself out.

Can't see anything wrong with that! 🤪

So the female initially volunteered to take the rap for the weapon as well in an effort to preserve his monastic status !

Decidedly not an overnight relationship.

Naughty naughty monkey !

Religion is crap. What ever religion it is. So... let them have a ball with the stupid followers

10 hours ago, gargamon said:

So same as the pedophile Catholic priests then?

But not as bad as the muslims who marry children eh. 🤷🏼

15 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

It’s always disappointing to see a monk fall so far short of the discipline expected of the Sangha, but it’s also a reminder that monks are human beings with human weaknesses.

Thai Buddhism itself isn’t diminished by one person’s actions, only the individual is responsible.

Cases like this simply highlight why vigilance, proper oversight, and sincere practice matter so much within the monastic community.

Indeed. Very much in the same way Catholics and CofE are having to face up to the child abuse that goes on.

But I find it very hard to picture priests and ministers being brought up on gun charges in normal everyday life.

2 hours ago, Reddavy said:

But not as bad as the muslims who marry children eh. 🤷🏼

Y'all need check how many US states allow some dodgy <deleted>e !

Pays yah money and all's good !

5 hours ago, 1tooth said:

I'm sure the monk had a reasonable explanation for all of this.

Yes. It is all a misunderstanding.

On 3/28/2026 at 4:04 AM, Georgealbert said:

A monk disguised by wearing a wig was arrested for drink-driving in Surin after police discovered a firearm, ammunition, and a female companion inside his vehicle.

Praise be Christ!

Oops wrong faith. Maybe monk was trying to reach out beyond his own faith.

19 hours ago, wombat said:

I know that I'm already going to the other place but I laughed when I read that header..... the mental image that conjured up was just too good not to laugh at

He really hit the trifecta on this one eh.

On 3/28/2026 at 2:41 PM, wombat said:

I know that I'm already going to the other place but I laughed when I read that header..... the mental image that conjured up was just too good not to laugh at

I know that I am going to no place. Plus why do people say they are going somewhere when they die? The only place they are going to is nothing! Your dead? That's it. End of your life story. I'm an atheist.

I was born with a tag Anglican in Australia with four or five generations being Australian. My first wife was a Jewish Australian and her parents were Canadian Jews. My second wife was a Muslim born in Java but attained Australian citizenship before I met her. My third wife, to whom I am still married to after 13 years and happily is a Thai and now an Australian citizen thanks to me.

We are a happy couple.