Abbott Arrested for Methamphetamine Use at Temple
A 45-year-old abbot at a temple in Sisaket Province was arrested after testing positive for methamphetamine and admitting to drug use, leading to his defrocking and criminal charges.
On September 7, Deputy Commander Surapong Paranram of Uthumphonprisat Police Station led a joint operation with the subdistrict administrative office to investigate complaints about Phra Amphan Jansanit, a 45-year-old abbot at Phothisri Kan Luang Temple in Uthumphonprisat District, Sisaket Province, who was allegedly using methamphetamine in his cell. The temple is a place of worship and the abbot is a respected community figure, prompting authorities to verify the allegations.
Officers arrived at the temple, identified themselves, and requested a urine test. The abbot initially resisted, saying "you won't find anything no matter how you test." After persuasion, he went to the bathroom to provide a sample but claimed he could not urinate. Eventually, he produced a sample that tested positive for methamphetamine. When confronted, the abbot admitted to using the drug and revealed that he had methamphetamine in his cell.
A search of the cell uncovered two methamphetamine pills and drug use equipment. During custody, the abbot pleaded not to be arrested, claiming this was his first offense and that he had abstained from drugs for approximately 5-6 years. He alleged that someone else had thrown the methamphetamine there, but he used it anyway because he could not resist.
Authorities coordinated with the district sangha council to proceed with ecclesiastical discipline. The abbot was taken to Kasemsukharam Temple for defrocking. After being removed from monastic status, he was charged with unlawful possession of a Class 1 drug (methamphetamine) and unlawful use of a Class 1 drug (methamphetamine). He was handed over to Uthumphonprisat Police Station for further investigation.
