Thai police arrest four monks in Buriram drug crackdown

On 18 September, police initiated a drug investigation in Buriram, apprehending four Buddhist monks. The operation began when a team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Suwat Nammonkol, head of the Buriram Provincial Police Narcotics Suppression Unit, observed a suspicious black sedan running red lights, eventually halting at a traffic light in Ban Nong Kung.

Two monks, Kittisak (31) and Wachirawit (22), were identified in the sedan. Kittisak was found with 10 methamphetamine pills, while Wachirawit was carrying 89 pills concealed in his robes. Police also discovered an additional 82 pills hidden under the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Kittisak had purchased meth from Plai (Yutthana, 27), a monk in Ban Pao subdistrict, Phutthaisong district.

Plai admitted to arranging the purchase and said he and another monk consumed three pills, retaining two for later use. Police found drug-use equipment at the temple where Plai was staying. The abbot, Tum (32), also tested positive for drugs. Phiphat, the abbot, had instructed two monks to buy meth from Phutthaisong. He admitted to the temple having four monks and revealed his past involvement with drugs.

Phiphat said two other monks had obtained meth through Plai, with the latest purchase totaling about 200 pills for 3,800 baht. The monks intended to divide the pills among themselves, with Kittisak contributing 1,000 baht and Phiphat transferring another 1,000 baht. The investigation expanded after three more arrests on 19 September, including Anirut (34), who supplied drugs to the monks, and Theeradon (22) and his younger brother, who were found with 49,200 meth pills. Police have continued pursuing additional suspects involved in drug supply.