Buddhist Monk Arrested on Drug Charges in Nakhon Si Thammarat
A 29-year-old Buddhist monk in Nakhon Si Thammarat was arrested after police found 200 methamphetamine pills and crystal meth at his temple following a tip-off about drug dealing. He was defrocked and charged with narcotics offenses.
On September 8, officials from Pak Phanang District in Nakhon Si Thammarat received a complaint about a Buddhist monk at a local temple in Pak Phraek Subdistrict who was allegedly dealing and using methamphetamine. A task force led by Dechathon Tanthanatinapath, head of security, was dispatched to investigate. Upon arrival, officers encountered 29-year-old Phra Watchachay at his monastic residence. When he saw the officials, he attempted to flee and threw objects into the forest behind the temple. Officers apprehended him and recovered 200 methamphetamine pills and 1.11 grams of crystal methamphetamine from the discarded items. A urine test on the monk revealed the presence of drugs. The abbot was informed and the monk was defrocked. Phra Watchachay was charged with selling Category 1 narcotics and unlawfully using Category 1 drugs. He confessed to all charges and was transferred to Pak Phanang Police Station for further legal proceedings.
