NAKHON SI THAMMARAT -- The abbot of a temple in Hua Sai district has been arrested with drugs, a 9mm pistol and women's underwear in his possession in a raid by a combined team of police, soldiers and local administrative officials.
The raid about 11am on Monday followed complaints by nearby residents to Pol Maj Gen Wanchai Ekpornpich, the provincial police superintendent, that Phra Khru Kitti Silalak, 47, the abbot of Wat Silalon, or Wat Thainod, at Moo 9 village in tambon Laem of Hua Sai district, and some laymen had used the temple's living quarters for taking drugs.
Officials found the abbot hiding behind his quarters. In his room they found a bag containing seven methamphetamine pills, drug use paraphernalia, a 9mm pistol with 59 bullets and five magazines, and seven sets of women's underwear.
Phra Khru Kitti admitted he had ingested methamphetamine just before the raid. He said the pistol and ammunition belonged to him and he had the proper documents, but could not produce them when asked. He said he had no idea how the women's underwear happened to be in his room.
The authorities also found 19-year-old novice Sorasak Raknim and Sompit Thongsong, 47, of Chian Yai district, using methamphetamine in the room.
Urine tests of the abbot and the two others revealed they had used drugs, police said.