Monks defrocked after drug bust

Monks defrocked after drug bust

Two young men point at each other following their arrest along with three monks on drug charges in Lampang on Saturday. (Photo by Aswin Wongnorkaew)
Two young men point at each other following their arrest along with three monks on drug charges in Lampang on Saturday. (Photo by Aswin Wongnorkaew)

LAMPANG — Three Buddhist monks and two other men were arrested on charges of taking illicit drugs at a temple in Muang district on Saturday.

Police searched the monks’ living quarters at Wat Huathung Samakkhi in tambon Phrabat following a complaint that some monks and young men were using the monastery as a place to get high.

The search found three monks and two men sitting around listlessly and showing signs of drug use. Some drugs and paraphernalia were found inside the room.

Urine tests were administered and all five men tested positive for drugs. The three monks were identified as Phra Sompop Thajina, 27; his brother Kittipong, 28; and Phra Wanasant Sumala, 20. Also arrested were Uthen Srakham, 20, and Akkhrapol Khondee.

The monks were defrocked and charged. All of the suspects remain in police custody.

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