Two Monks Arrested For Methamphetamine Use In Chaiyaphum
Police arrested two monks in Chaiyaphum after urine tests revealed methamphetamine use at a temple, leading authorities to seize 48 tablets from a local drug supplier.
At 11:30 a.m. on June 30, 2025, Amnaj Khaisungnoen, deputy district chief of Ban Khwae District in Chaiyaphum Province, led officials and police in a drug suppression operation under the government's "Thailand Zero Drugs" policy and Big Quick Win initiative. Following a tip-off about drug activity among monks at a temple in Moo 10, Tambon Lum Lamchi, authorities conducted urine tests on Phra Kruesat (36) and Phra Panya (39), which came back positive. Both monks admitted to using crystal methamphetamine and voluntarily entered rehabilitation. They revealed they purchased the drug from Thongchai, a local resident, at a rate of 2 tablets for 100 baht. Police subsequently raided Thongchai's home and seized 48 methamphetamine tablets. The two monks were transferred to the district abbot for defrocking procedures before entering treatment. Thongchai was charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics without authorization and drug use without authorization, and was taken into custody for police investigation.
