Abbot Admits Drug Use After Testing Positive

On September 8, Deputy Superintendent Surapong Parinram of Utumporn District Police, along with narcotics officers and local administrators, investigated complaints from residents about an abbot's alleged drug involvement in Utumporn District, Sisaket Province.

Authorities had been informed that the 45-year-old abbot had exhibited drug-related behavior and was consuming methamphetamine in his monastery cell, causing concern among villagers. When officials arrived at the temple and requested a urine test, the abbot initially resisted, saying "no matter how you test, you won't find anything." He then claimed he could not produce a sample, but officials waited until they obtained one.

The preliminary urine test returned positive for drug use. When questioned, the abbot admitted to methamphetamine use and acknowledged having drugs in his cell. Officers searched his quarters and found two methamphetamine pills along with drug paraphernalia, which were seized as evidence.

During custody, the abbot attempted to avoid arrest, claiming this was his first offense and that he had previously abstained from drugs for approximately five to six years. He also alleged that someone else had thrown the drugs there, which he then used because he could not resist temptation.

Authorities coordinated with the district sangha council to follow ecclesiastical procedures. The abbot was taken to Kaemsuk Temple in Taga Subdistrict, Utumporn District, where he was defrocked. After leaving the monkhood, he was formally charged with illegal possession of Class 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) and use of Class 1 controlled substances in violation of the law. Officers then transferred him and the seized items to Utumporn District Police for further investigation and prosecution.