Thai authorities defrock four monks after drugs found in monastery raid

Thai authorities defrock four monks after drugs found in monastery raid

CHON BURI, Jan 28, 2026 — Thai authorities have defrocked four Buddhist monks following a raid on a monastic centre in Chon Buri, where officials found evidence of drug use and possession of explicit material, local media reported on Wednesday.

The operation was carried out on Jan 27 at the Phromsoonthorn Monastic Centre in Ang Sila district by a joint task force comprising the Provincial Office of Buddhism, police, military personnel from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), and local administrative officials, according to Thai media reports.

Officials said four monks tested positive for drugs during urine screenings and were immediately removed from the monkhood for breaching monastic discipline.

One monk, identified as Phra Phothisangkha, was found to have no record in Thailand’s civil registry, raising questions over his legal status, authorities said. A search of his living quarters uncovered 89,000 baht ($2,500) in cash, a pornographic DVD playing on a disc player, and a sexual device.

Another monk, identified as Supachai, 35, admitted to using methamphetamine for two to three years, investigators said. He reportedly claimed the drug helped alleviate symptoms linked to diabetes, high blood pressure and muscle pain.

Authorities said three of the defrocked monks would be referred for drug rehabilitation, while the case involving the individual without civil registry records was transferred to immigration officials for further legal action.

Officials said the incident had undermined public confidence in religious institutions and prompted closer scrutiny of oversight and registration procedures at monastic centres.

In a separate incident earlier this month, police in Ang Thong arrested a man posing as a monk after discovering he lacked proper credentials and had attempted to falsify a drug test, local media reported.