A 44-year-old Thai monk was arrested on October 27 at a monastery in Chon Buri province after police discovered 891 methamphetamine pills—200 hidden in his robes and 691 in his living quarters—along with two women.
Thai news outlet MGR Online reported that police conducted the raid at the Buddhist monastery following information gathered during an investigation into a drug case. Upon arriving at the monk’s living quarters, police found the monk, identified as Jakarin Wararat, in his room with two women, later identified as a lesbian couple. All three appeared to be drug users.
Drugs Found in Monk's Robes
During the search, 200 methamphetamine pills were found hidden in the monk’s robes. Another 691 pills were found in his living quarters, along with drug paraphernalia and crystal meth. The monk admitted that the drugs and equipment were his.
Arrested Individuals
The two women with Jakarin were 43-year-old Paweena Pattanasri and 35-year-old Amphika Phrikthet. The pair were later identified as a lesbian couple, according to Thai media outlet Khaosod Online. The women stated they had come to the monastery at approximately 5am after receiving an invitation to use methamphetamine. Their urine tests subsequently came back positive for drugs.
Monk’s Criminal History
When questioned by police, Jakarin confessed that he had procured the drugs from a person called “Nu”, whom he encountered on a social media platform. Nu would deliver the drugs close to the monastery’s entrance. Jakarin’s latest purchase was for 1,000 pills priced at 4,300 baht (S$164), which he planned to use himself and distribute to other individuals. He also mentioned that he had only been freed from prison in July, following the completion of a five-year term for a narcotics violation. Jakarin had sought ordination as a monk, but subsequently resumed taking drugs and also persuaded his friends to use them. After being disrobed, he apologised for his behaviour and said he would face the repercussions.
Police are preparing to charge Jakarin with the possession of drugs for sale and illegal drug use. The two women have also been charged for consuming drugs illegally.
