Monks disrobed for drink and drugs

RATCHABURI: -- Residents in Thailand's central Ratchaburi Province yesterday surrounded a local temple and called on the police to forcibly disrobe five monks and novices accused of drinking and drug abuse.

Over 100 local residents crowded round Wat Thai Muang in the early hours of Saturday to protests against the five monks, who were known for drinking, taking methamphetamines and engaging in violent quarrels.

Police who took up the calls discovered all monks in a visibly intoxicated condition, unable to make any sensible comment.

It was not until after the temple abbot had disrobed them that the five – four monks and one novice – were articulate enough to confess that they had been drinking and taking drugs.

Mr. Suthin Phuchun, Phong Sawai village head, said that local teenagers had supplied the monks with the alcohol and methamphetamine tablets.

The monks, he said, took drink and drugs every day, and once they were intoxicated often quarrelled among themselves.

The police will take legal action against the monks in question, one of whom had been ordained for as long as 11 years.

--TNA 2004-10-24

Good

Mr. Suthin Phuchun, Phong Sawai village head, said that local teenagers had supplied the monks with the alcohol and methamphetamine tablets.

And did those teens recieve any punishment , or are they the police commanders or headmans sun and daughter???