Police Raid Temple, Disrobe Meth-Using Monk in Khon Kaen
Villagers in Khon Kaen tipped off police after suspecting a monk of using methamphetamine. Officers raided a forest temple, found drug paraphernalia in the monk’s quarters, and a video showed him dressed as a layperson out at night. The monk admitted to using two meth pills, was disrobed, and tested positive for drugs.
At 2:30 p.m. on October 7, 2026, Pol. Col. Phiphat Pimphlom of Wei Luang Police Station ordered Pol. Lt. Col. Suwattchai Siwicha and Pol. Lt. Col. Prinnya Raksat, along with investigation and suppression units, to search the monk’s quarters in a forest temple in Non Thon sub-district, Mueang district, Khon Kaen, after receiving complaints from villagers about a monk using methamphetamine and dressing as a layperson to go out at night, supported by video evidence. Upon arrival, officers found 47‑year‑old Phra Sakol, a monk from Khao Suan Kwang, sitting outside his hut and escorted him for a urine test. A search of his quarters revealed meth‑use paraphernalia. Confronted with the evidence, he confessed to having used two meth tablets bought from teenagers for 100 baht and acknowledged that the video showing a bald‑headed man wearing a cap, T‑shirt and jeans was him. Police took him to Aranyasutthavasa Temple to be disrobed, then to Nampong Hospital for a repeat urine test, which confirmed the presence of narcotics. Pol. Col. Phiphat said an informant had reported drug use at the temple; the investigation team found Phra Sakol showing suspicious behavior, though a personal search yielded no illegal items. He admitted to using the meth before police arrived. He has been charged with drug consumption, and authorities are pursuing the suppliers and buyers before sending him for rehabilitation.
