MAHA SARAKHAM, THAILAND – Authorities raided a temple hut in Borabue district, detaining a visiting monk and seizing firearms, ammunition and other weapons.
Complaint triggered raid at temple
The operation followed a submission to the Damrongtham complaint center from residents who reported suspected drug and alcohol outings linked to the temple. Officials from the Maha Sarakham provincial administration then surrounded a small hut on the temple grounds and searched the building.
According to the authorities, the hut was in a “dirty” condition, with objects strewn around and rubbish piled up inside the room. The stench was described as so strong that it was clearly noticeable in the surrounding area after the inspection.
Filthy hut and the monk inside
Inside the hut, officers found Phra Suwan (40), who according to officials originally came from Kanchanaburi province. Residents had previously reported that the monk had arrived from another province, had been staying there, and might also be hiding weapons.
The findings in the hut were documented as part of the investigation. All observations about the living conditions were included in the official report, authorities said.
Weapons and ammunition seized
During the search, officers seized two .22‑caliber firearms, three BB guns and 41 rounds of ammunition. All items were confiscated as evidence and recorded for the ongoing investigation.
Officials treated the weapons and ammunition as central pieces of evidence in the case. They were stored for forensic and legal procedures.
Drug allegation confirmed
During an initial questioning, Phra Suwan admitted, according to authorities, that he had taken two Yaba (methamphetamine) tablets about five days earlier but had not used drugs since then. A urine test carried out afterwards confirmed, according to the official statement, that narcotics were present in his body.
The test result was added to the case file as supporting evidence of drug use. Officials said the combination of weapons and drugs would be examined under relevant laws.
Defrocking and handover to police
After the inspection, authorities first took the man to the abbot of the temple, where he was formally released from the monastic order. The former monk was then handed over to investigators at Borabue police station in Maha Sarakham to initiate further legal proceedings.
Police were tasked with pursuing possible firearm and narcotics offences. Investigators continued to question him about the origin of the weapons and his activities in the area.
Villagers demand stricter checks
Local residents criticised the former monk’s behaviour and said they had been observing “suspicious” activities for some time before submitting the complaint. They called for more frequent and stricter checks on monks in the area to prevent similar cases in the future.
“We had observed suspicious incidents for a while before the complaint was filed.”
said local residents, who urged tighter oversight of temple communities.