NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — 24 April 2026, A monk at a well-known temple in southern Thailand was arrested after authorities found methamphetamine pills and crystal meth hidden in his shoulder bag, officials said.
Noppitam district chief Apiwat Meethum said local officials received reports on the evening of 24 April that a monk at a temple in Noppitam subdistrict, known as Wat Rong Lek, was involved with illegal drugs.
When officers arrived to investigate, the monk attempted to flee through the rear of his quarters but was chased and detained. He was later identified as Phra Phanuphat, also known as “Ob”.
A search of his quarters uncovered 388 methamphetamine tablets and 0.03 grammes of crystal meth concealed in a monk’s bag, along with drug paraphernalia. The suspect admitted the items belonged to him.
Authorities had the monk defrocked before taking him in for questioning. A urine test returned positive for drug use, and he admitted to taking three meth pills prior to his arrest.
He has been charged with possession of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to sell without permission. Police said he confessed to all charges and was handed over to investigators at Noppitam police station for legal proceedings.
