PRACHIN BURI -- The abbot of Wat Makhamthong in Si Mahaphot district has been expelled from the monkhood after he and two other monks were found drunk by police in this eastern province.
Si Mahaphot police went to the temple about 1.30 am on Tuesday after receiving complaints via hotline 191 that monks at the monastery often held drinking sessions into the night, annoying nearby residents.
The police found three monks making a noise inside a room. All appeared drunk. One of them was Phra Thawil Santajitto, the abbot of Wat Makhamthong.
The three monks were invited to Wat Tham Phosri in tambon Hat Yang, to meet Chaokhun Pisal Sueksakorn, the deputy monastic chief of Prachin Buri, for questioning.
Phra Thawil admitted he had drunk a little liquor. He raised his voice in a show of disapproval while being questioned over the complaints.
Phra Khru Thavaro Phothapirak, the acting monastic chief of Si Mahaphot district who was also present at the questioning, ordered Phra Thawil expelled from the monkhood.