SURAT THANI: Four monks who tested positive for use of illegal drugs have been defrocked and another monk found with 27 BB guns at a popular temple in Don Sak district.
Police, local officials and soldiers entered Wat Khao Suwanpradit in tambon Don Sak around 12.30am on Tuesday following a complaint that 17 monks there allegedly used drugs and possessed weapons.
Monks were given urine tests and four tested positive for illicit drugs.
Some of the 27 BB guns seized from a monk at Wat Khao Suwanpraditin Surat Thani's Don Sak district. (Photo by Supapong Chaolan)
The four -Thiwakorn Phromkham, Boonchup Ouisakul, Anek Charoentham and Thaweesak Phetmanee - were expellld from the monkhood and charged with having methamphetamine pills in their possession and drinking a drug cocktail made with boiled kratom leaves.
During the raid, 27 BB guns were also seized from monk Niphan Mahapunyo for examination.
Police learned that Phra Niphan was knowledgable about guns. Since entering the monkhood he had repaired guns, mostly BB guns, for outsiders for over 5 years. People kept sending him BB guns for repair.
On examination the 27 BB guns were found to be not working.
TV Channel 3 reported that Phra Niphan told police he studied electronics at university and had knowlege in weapons. After he was ordained, he repaired BB guns for collectors free of charge.
Soldiers, police and local officials examine postal boxes found to contain BB guns sent to a monk for repair. (Photo by Supapong Chaolan)