Loei Villagers Oust Abbot Over Alcohol Use, Temple Neglect
Over 50 villagers in Loei province protested at Wat Muang Khai demanding the removal of Abbot Phra Suchat, citing failure to develop the temple, neglect of religious duties, and daily alcohol consumption. Police urine tests found no drugs, but the abbot admitted drinking two bottles of liquor daily for health reasons. Provincial Buddhism officials and the district monk chief subsequently ordered the abbot to relocate, which he accepted.
Over 50 villagers from Nong E Kaeng and Nong Bong in Phu Ho subdistrict, Phu Luang district, Loei province, traveled to assemble at Wat Muang Khai demanding that Phra Suchat vacate his position as abbot. They cited his unsuitability for monkhood, failure to develop the temple or organize important Buddhist activities, and his behavior of drinking alcohol. The atmosphere was tense as villagers supporting Phra Suchat also arrived, leading to heated confrontations. Villagers entered the sermon hall to speak with Phra Suchat while he was eating. He explained he wished to stay longer to complete the temple boundary wall as intended, but villagers rejected this and insisted he leave immediately. They then went to his residence and found bottles of water, electrolyte drinks, energy drinks, and white liquor placed beside the kuti. Villagers asked Phra Suchat to open his upstairs bedroom to prove his sincerity; he unlocked the door. Inside, they found several plastic bottles containing urine, along with more energy and electrolyte drink bottles. Later, Phu Luang district inspectors arrived following villagers' reports and tested Phra Suchat's urine; no narcotics were detected. However, Phra Suchat admitted to drinking two bottles of liquor daily to treat an illness. Subsequently, Loei Provincial Buddhism Office officials and the Phu Ho subdistrict monk chief investigated and heard villagers' demands, then ordered Phra Suchat to move out per the villagers' wishes. He complied and will initially reside at the same temple as the Phu Ho subdistrict monk chief.
