Abbot Arrested After Heroin Found in Temple Quarters
Authorities arrested an abbot in Pang Ma Pha district, Mae Hong Son province, after heroin was found hidden in his temple quarters during a coordinated drug raid.
On July 9, 2025, the investigation unit of Pang Ma Pha Police Station announced the arrest of an abbot in Pang Ma Pha district after heroin was discovered hidden in his temple quarters. Multiple government agencies launched a coordinated drug sweep operation following numerous complaints from residents who had grown weary of the abbot's suspicious behavior and alleged involvement with drug trafficking networks, which had shaken the faith of Buddhists in the community.
The operation was conducted through strict coordination between the Pang Ma Pha Police investigation team, Border Patrol Police Unit 336, district administrative officials, and infantry soldiers from the 722nd Infantry Battalion. When the combined force raided the abbot's quarters at the temple in Pang Ma Pha district, Mae Hong Son province, they discovered Class 1 narcotic drugs—heroin—hidden inside. Officers immediately seized the drugs as evidence and detained the abbot for initial questioning.
After investigation and with clear evidence in hand, authorities took the abbot through a Buddhist disrobing ceremony to immediately remove him from monastic status. He was then handed over to Pang Ma Pha Police with all seized evidence for legal prosecution under charges of illegal possession of narcotic drugs.
The operation reaffirms the government's serious commitment to clearing drugs from the area and responds promptly to public complaints to restore peace and maintain the integrity of religious institutions in the community.
