SONGKHLA: A monk from a well-known temple in Hat Yai district was defrocked after driving a car in layman's clothing to pick up a woman, and then drinking with her on a beach in Muang district at night. Police searched his car and found his saffron robes and a pack of condoms in his bag.
Pol Col Akkarawut Thaneerat, chief of Hat Yai police, led a team of officers monitoring Phra Ratchaphol Inthasorn, a monk at Wat Khok Samankhun in Hat Yai district on Wednesday night, following a complaint that the monk had acted inappropriately.
At around 9pm, police observed Phra Ratchaphol driving his car from the temple, picking up a young woman and then heading for Muang district. The car later stopped at a convenience store, where the woman got out of the car to buy some alcoholic beverages.
The monk then drove along Chalathat beach road before parking opposite a restaurant. The two got out of the car and walked towards the beach, where they sat down and drank.
When the pair returned to the car, police asked for a search. The officers found saffron robes and a pack of condoms inside a bag in the car.
The police took Phra Ratchaphol back to Wat Khok Samankhun and informed the abbot of his conduct. He was then defrocked.