In Surin, a monk disguised by wearing a wig was caught driving a pickup truck while drunk. At a police checkpoint, officers found a female companion in the vehicle and discovered a gun and ammunition. Authorities are swiftly investigating the facts and will take legal action, including monastic disciplinary measures.
At 00:05 on 27 March 2026, Surin Provincial Police, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Sukon Sriarun, Chief of Surin Provincial Police, along with Deputy Chiefs Pol. Col. Chainarong Boonduang and Pol. Col. Suchok Pumeechokchai, the Superintendent of Mueang Surin Police Station Pol. Col. Ekphong Pholmani, and related officials, ordered officers from the Mueang Surin Police traffic and investigation units to set up a checkpoint on Krungsri Nok Road, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang Surin District, Surin Province.
While on duty, officers noticed a gray Chevrolet four-door pickup truck with Surin Province license plates approaching the checkpoint. When stopped for inspection, the driver’s identity did not match initial records and showed signs of intoxication. He was later identified as Mr. Supawat (surname withheld), 42 years old. Police conducted a breathalyzer test which showed a blood alcohol concentration of 79 milligrams percent, exceeding the legal limit. He was arrested on charges of drunk driving.
Officers then checked inside the vehicle and found one female passenger, Mrs. Sumonthatip, 46 years old, who behaved suspiciously. A search of the pickup truck revealed a 9mm pistol and ammunition hidden inside a handbag. She was detained and initially charged with illegal possession and carrying of a firearm in public without permission.
Further searches of the vehicle uncovered cash amounting to 123,814 baht, as well as monk’s robes including an anga, sabong, and waist girdle, which are traditional monastic items.
Investigation revealed that Mr. Supawat is actually a monk residing at a forest monastery in Tha Tum District, Surin Province. Regarding the firearm, Mrs. Sumonthatip admitted it was not hers but belonged to Mr. Supawat. She confessed to taking responsibility previously out of concern for the legal and monastic disciplinary consequences he might face.
Initially, police have taken the individuals involved into custody and forwarded them to investigators for legal proceedings. They are coordinating with relevant agencies to verify details concerning the monk’s disciplinary status.