Phuket Monks Caught Using Meth in Temple Drug Raid
A revered temple in Phuket has been shaken by scandal after three monks and two workers were caught using methamphetamine during a surprise drug raid conducted by authorities.
The raid occurred at 2 p.m. on August 7 at Wat Cherng Talay in the Thalang district. Acting on a formal complaint, Cherng Talay Police collaborated with the Phuket Provincial Office of Buddhism, Thalang district officials, public health officers, and members of the temple’s own committee to carry out the operation.
The raid was initiated following allegations from temple committee chairperson Worapong Sae Jia, who formally complained that some monks and staff were involved in illegal drug use. Authorities wasted no time, launching the raid the very next day.
During the operation, five individuals tested positive for methamphetamine—three monks and two temple workers. Faced with the results, the monks voluntarily disrobed at the scene and agreed to enter a rehabilitation program in compliance with the Narcotics Act.
The two temple workers, identified as 40-year-old Phisit Sae Chua of Cherng Talay and 45-year-old Jiradej Saenchan from Ratchaburi, refused to enter rehab and were subsequently arrested. Both have been charged with the illegal use of a Category 1 narcotic and were taken to Cherng Talay Police Station for further processing.
A member of the temple committee, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the decision to involve the authorities was made to uphold the sanctity of the religious institution.
“This is a sacred place—it should be free from drugs,” the committee member said. “The community needs to trust the people who live and work here.”
Public health officers have confirmed that the disrobed monks will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility as part of their recovery process. Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation to trace the source of the methamphetamine and determine whether others may have been involved.
Methamphetamine remains one of Thailand’s most commonly abused narcotics. While rural and urban hotspots have long been targeted, police are increasingly turning their attention to community spaces—including religious institutions—to halt the drug’s spread.
A spokesperson for the Cherng Talay Police emphasized that law enforcement will take action wherever necessary.
“Even in places of worship, if we receive credible complaints, we will take action,” the officer said. “No one is above the law.”
The raid has prompted calls for more rigorous monitoring of religious sites and personnel, particularly in communities where temples serve as both spiritual and social centers. The Phuket Office of Buddhism has yet to release an official statement but is expected to conduct an internal review of the temple’s operations.
This incident marks a troubling reminder of how drug abuse can infiltrate even the most sacred spaces and highlights the ongoing challenge Thai authorities face in their fight against narcotics.
