Two monks in Buriram defrocked after fight and drug tests

Khaosod•Society•12d ago

Reader Briefing

Two monks in Satuek District were defrocked and charged after a violent altercation and positive drug tests.

•Phra Thiwa and Phra Thana fought at a temple in Satuek District, Buriram Province on September 9, 2026.
•Phra Thiwa admitted to kicking over a meal area while 7-8 monks were eating.
•Both monks tested positive for drugs (purple urine) and were immediately defrocked.
•The conflict stemmed from allegations of obscene behavior and frequent criticism.

•On September 9, 2026, police from Satuek Police Station took Phra Thiwa and Phra Thana into custody.
•Phra Thiwa kicked over a meal area while 7-8 monks were eating, causing the group to scatter.
•Phra Thiwa claimed the action was caused by dissatisfaction with Phra Thana, who allegedly criticized Phra Thiwa more than 20 times and accused Phra Thiwa of being obscene.
•Phra Thana denied criticizing Phra Thiwa and stated that Phra Thiwa misunderstood the meaning of religious texts.
•Satuek Police Station officers conducted urine tests on both Phra Thiwa and Phra Thana.
•Both Phra Thiwa and Phra Thana tested positive for drugs.
•Both Phra Thiwa and Phra Thana were defrocked and are being prosecuted according to the law.
•Phra Thiwa and Phra Thana both admitted to using methamphetamine.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Phra Thiwa(พระทิวา)

A 53-year-old monk who had been ordained for one vassa and kicked over a meal area during a dispute.

Phra Thana(พระธนา)

A 33-year-old monk who had been ordained for two vassa and was accused of criticizing Phra Thiwa.

Satuek Police Station(สภ.สตึก)

The police station responsible for detaining and testing the two monks.

Satuek District(อ.สตึก)ℹ️

The district in Buriram Province where the incident occurred.

Buriram Province(จ.บุรีรัมย์)ℹ️

The province where the conflict and arrests took place.