Pattaya police received reports of a monk behaving erratically and appearing to hallucinate at Wat Boonkanjanaram, located in the Nongprue sub-district of Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Authorities and local news reporters quickly arrived at the scene.
The monk, identified as Phra Thianthawin Suraphatmethakul, was found in a confused and delusional state. He spoke incoherently, repeatedly stating that he wished to go to court and would only give his testimony there. He also revealed that he was transgender and held up crumpled papers, which he claimed were “evidence” of some kind.
When police attempted to question and assist him, Phra Thianthawin admitted to using crystal meth earlier that day. He claimed he had received the drugs from a young temple boy with whom he was romantically involved. Despite officers requesting a drug test, the monk insisted on only speaking in court. After hours of negotiation, he was eventually convinced to go to the police station for a urine test, which confirmed the presence of drugs in his system.
Following the positive result, Phra Thianthawin was taken to the temple’s abbot, where he was officially defrocked before being placed into police custody to face legal charges.
credit TPN
