Thai Abbot Defrocked After Allegedly Travelling 40km to Buy Methamphetamine
Thai Abbot Defrocked After Allegedly Travelling 40km to Buy Methamphetamine
BURIRAM, October 9, 2026 — A 44-year-old Buddhist abbot in Thailand’s Buriram province has been defrocked after being arrested for allegedly purchasing methamphetamine, with police reporting that he travelled nearly 40 kilometres to avoid being recognised by worshippers near his temple.
The abbot, identified as Phra Kowit, was arrested on October 8 alongside a 34-year-old man identified as Apisit, also known as Mos, in Prakhon Chai district.
The operation was conducted by administrative officials and police from Ban Bua Police Station. Officers reported seizing 13 methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as yaba, concealed in a trouser pocket.
Kowit had served as abbot at a temple in Nong Mai Ngam subdistrict, Ban Kruat district, while Apisit lived in the Prakhon Chai area.
Abbot reportedly paid 400 baht for drugs
According to the report, Apisit told investigators that Kowit had transferred him 400 baht to purchase methamphetamine for them to share. The abbot was then expected to travel from his temple to an agreed meeting point to collect the drugs.
During questioning, Kowit reportedly admitted providing the money and using methamphetamine for some time.
He said he had been ordained for nearly eight years and attributed his drug use to feelings of loneliness during Buddhist Lent.
Kowit also reportedly explained that he deliberately travelled to another district to buy the drugs because he feared that people in the community around his temple, where he was a respected religious figure, might recognise him and become suspicious.
The journey covered nearly 40 kilometres, according to the report.
Abbot defrocked as legal proceedings begin
Following the arrest, officials arranged for Kowit to leave the monkhood before proceeding with the criminal case.
Both men were charged with unauthorised possession and consumption of a Category 1 narcotic, methamphetamine. They were subsequently handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
The case follows a separate incident last month in Buriram in which another abbot and three monks were arrested in a drug investigation involving 184 methamphetamine tablets. That case involved different suspects and a different temple.
