Police Raid Forest Temple, Arrest Three Monks Over Meth Use
Police raided a forest temple in Khon Kaen after villagers reported drug use, arresting three monks and two temple novices for methamphetamine possession. Five people, including locals from Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Sisaket, and Samut Prakan, tested positive for meth. Authorities say they will expand the investigation to uncover any wider network.
At 6:30 p.m. on October 7, 2026, Pol. Col. Phi-phat Pimklom, commander of Welewan Police Station, led a team of investigators, local officials, and the Khon Kaen Provincial Buddhist Office to Wat Pa Ban Kam Bon in Non Ton subdistrict, Mueang district, following a complaint from residents about drug use. The operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals: Sakon, 47, from Khon Kaen; Santi, 50, from Phetchabun; Thanawut, 38, from Sisaket; Witthai, 26, from Sisaket; and Sakdit, 43, from Samut Prakan. Urine tests showed methamphetamine, leading to charges of Category 1 drug use. Pol. Col. Phi-phat said the tip came from a good citizen reporting monks and locals using drugs, prompting coordination with authorities. Police will expand the investigation to identify any additional suspects or networks.
