Two Monks Test Positive for Drugs in Temple Raid
Two monks, including the abbot, tested positive for narcotics during a drug raid at a temple in Surin province's Si Khit district on September 19, shocking residents who had regarded them as virtuous practitioners.
On September 19, Ranaphop Butrsatrus, district officer of Si Khit in Surin province, led administrative staff together with police from Si Khit station, officials, and village headmen to inspect a temple in Chang Pi subdistrict, Si Khit district, Surin province. The raid followed complaints about monks engaging in drug-related behavior. Officials conducted urine tests on ten monks, and two tested positive for narcotics: the abbot and a junior monk. The two monks initially underwent a defrocking ceremony before being transferred to Si Khit Hospital for treatment.
After the community learned of the abbot's arrest for drug use, the atmosphere inside the temple became quiet and somber. Local residents expressed shock, saying they initially saw officials entering the temple but did not know why until learning later that urine tests had been conducted. They admitted feeling dismayed because the abbot had been known as a virtuous and dedicated practitioner, but now they have lost faith and never expected such an incident involving him.
Another 67-year-old resident said learning that the monks tested positive for drugs was unexpected and surprising. He expressed disappointment and concluded with a joking wish for the monks to stay safe and avoid meeting wealthy people from now on.
