The abbot and a temple monk were arrested for methamphetamine use after administrative officials raided a famous temple in Surin Province. Local residents were shocked, not expecting the abbot to be involved with drugs.
On 18 Sep 2026, administrative officers from Sikhoraphum District, together with local police and officials, conducted a raid on a temple in Chang Pi Subdistrict, Sikhoraphum District, Surin Province, following complaints about drug activity. Urine tests of 10 monks showed 2 positive for narcotics, including the abbot. The other 8 monks tested negative. Initially, both monks were defrocked and sent for treatment at Sikhoraphum Hospital.
Mr. Ronaphop Butsayatras, the district chief of Sikhoraphum, along with administrative officers, local defense volunteers, Sikhoraphum Police, village headmen, and community leaders from Chang Pi Subdistrict, inspected Ban Chang Pi Temple, Village 1, after receiving complaints from locals about possible drug involvement within the temple, especially near the abbot’s quarters. Officials conducted urine tests on 10 monks and found 2 positive results, one being the abbot. They followed procedures and sent them for treatment.
Following the incident on 19 Sep 2026, reporters visited the temple and found a quiet atmosphere with no monks leaving their quarters. Local villagers expressed shock at what had happened.
Mr. Sakchai, 43, a villager living next to the temple, said he initially saw administrative officials enter the temple but did not know why. Later he learned that monks’ urine was tested and drugs were found in both a temple monk and the abbot. He admitted feeling shocked because the abbot had been known as a good person and a dedicated practitioner. This event caused him to lose faith, never expecting such a situation with the abbot.
Mr. Worachet, 45, another villager, also said he was shocked by the news that the abbot tested positive for drugs. He believed it would be difficult for the abbot to regain the community’s trust after this incident.
Mr. Nop, 67, another Chang Pi villager, commented that he only later learned that the abbot had tested positive for drugs. He never expected the abbot to be involved with narcotics. Since the monks have all been defrocked, he sarcastically wished the abbot safety and hoped he would avoid wealthy people from now on.
Administrative officials have forwarded the case to Sikhoraphum Police for legal processing and have sent both monks for rehabilitation treatment.