Three Thai Buddhist Monks Test Positive for Meth in Chumphon Temple Raid

Three Thai Buddhist Monks Test Positive for Meth in Chumphon Temple Raid

CHUMPHON, Thailand, Aug. 18, 2026 — Three Buddhist monks and novices have tested positive for methamphetamine following a drug screening at a temple in Chumphon province, officials said on Aug. 17.

Authorities conducted urine tests on nine monks and one novice at a temple in Tha Sae district at about 11 a.m., following complaints from local residents that a monk might be using drugs.

The tests found methamphetamine in three people — a 50-year-old monk, a 30-year-old monk and a 19-year-old novice.

Officials brought the three before the temple abbot, who began procedures for them to leave the monkhood in accordance with Buddhist clergy rules.

They were subsequently referred to health promotion hospitals in their home areas for drug treatment and rehabilitation. The report did not mention any arrests or criminal charges against the three.

The operation was led by the Internal Security Operations Command in Chumphon, in cooperation with provincial authorities and Chumphon Provincial Police.

The case follows a similar drug crackdown involving Buddhist monks in Ratchaburi province in May, when authorities found 10 monks testing positive for drugs at several temples.

During that investigation, police also arrested a suspected drug dealer after a monk helped arrange a methamphetamine delivery to a temple. Officers seized five methamphetamine pills from the alleged dealer and later found another 138 pills at his residence.

The Chumphon operation highlights continuing efforts by Thai authorities to address drug use within Buddhist temples, particularly following complaints from local communities.