Police have arrested four Buddhist monks in a raid on the Phram Suntan Monastery in Chonburi province, Thailand. It is alleged that drugs, pornography, sex objects and escort directories were recovered from inside the monastery. On January 27, police raided the monastery based on complaints from local residents.
The allegations were that firearms and drugs were being used inside the monastery. During the raid, officers searched the monks’ bedrooms. Later, a large amount of cash and various prohibited items were recovered.
Items recovered in the raid
Police said that about 89,000 baht in cash was found during the search. In addition, a pistol and a penis enlargement pump were recovered. Officers found a DVD player loaded with pornographic videos.
In addition, a list of sex workers’ contacts was also seized. It is alleged that they broke their religious vows by keeping these items in the monastery. As a result, the incident created a huge sensation across the country.
Drug Test Positive
The four accused are Supachai Jantawong, 35, Phra Wirat Mukdasanit, 45, and Phra Thanapol Maison, 59, and the temple abbot, Phra Photisang Taebmuan. Police claim that the presence of methamphetamine was found in the bodies of three of them. They were later removed from their religious positions and expelled from the Buddhist Sangha.
Colonel Saksilop Kamnoedsin said that the operation was carried out after the villagers complained. The three monks concerned will be sent to a drug treatment center for rehabilitation. On the other hand, the process of sending the abbot back to his country after questioning has begun.
Accused’s Claim
Accused Supachai claimed that he had been using meth for about three years. However, he said that he used it to relieve nerve pain caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. According to his statement, he used the drug when he had severe pain. Although the authorities are seriously considering his statement.
Detailed comments will not be made until the investigation is complete. The matter is now under full police investigation.
Crisis of Trust
About 93 percent of Thailand’s population is Buddhist, and there are about 45,000 temples in the country. However, in recent years, public trust in religious institutions has been eroded by a series of scandals. Last July, a woman was exposed as a high-ranking monk who had been accused of extorting money from her. The woman admitted that she had used personal connections to extort money. Police recovered a large amount of objectionable images and videos from her. These incidents have raised new questions about religious discipline and morality.
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