Buddhist abbot caught driving 25 miles to buy meth from dealer

A Buddhist abbot was caught while driving 25 miles to buy meth from his dealer in Thailand. Phra Kowit Petchlert, 44, a temple abbot of eight years in Buriram province, reportedly started using drugs 'because he felt lonely during Buddhist Lent'. He had driven to Prakhon Chai district around 25 miles away to replenish his drug stash when police arrested him along a road, on October 8. Footage shows cops frisking the religious leader's clothes, where they found 13 meth pills tucked away in his saffron robe. Another suspect, Aphisit Moolmat, 34, was detained on suspicion of drug use. The Buddhist monk allegedly admitted paying for the drugs, adding he had been using meth for some time. He claimed he felt lonely during Buddhist Lent and chose to buy the drugs far from his temple because he feared local worshippers would become suspicious. He was hauled into a police car, where he pretended to meditate while being questioned by the cops. Aphisit said that Phra Kowit had transferred 400 baht to him to buy methamphetamine for them to share. Prakhon Chai district chief Damrongsak Nakisang said the monk was defrocked shortly after his arrest. He added: 'Both men were charged with illegal possession and consumption of Category 1 narcotics, including methamphetamine. They were taken into custody for legal proceedings.' The arrests follow a series of drug-related cases involving Buddhist monks in Thailand. On October 7, three monks and two temple workers were detained in Khon Kaen over alleged methamphetamine use. On September 14, Buddhist monk, Lek, 49, was arrested at a temple in Khon Kaen for allegedly keeping meth in his menthol inhaler. While on August 30, another monk Veerapat 'Moss' Sawatsing and alleged courier Teeraphong 'Thee' Sornchanwong were detained for allegedly selling ketamine in Pattaya. Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, where the majority of the population identifies as Theravada Buddhist. Monks are expected to follow strict religious rules, including abstaining from alcohol, drugs, and sex which are considered incompatible with monastic life. However, Thailand's Buddhist clergy has faced a number of scandals in recent years involving sex and drug scandals, and alleged misconduct, sparking scrutiny of discipline within the religious establishment.