After All The Buddhist Monks Failed Their Drug Tests, A Temple in Thailand Was Left Empty

Local authorities in the Bung Sam Phan area of Phetchabun, Thailand reportedly told the BBC that four monks had tested positive for methamphetamine (also known as meth).

According to district official Boonlert Thintapthai, who spoke with AFP, the monks have been admitted to a health center for drug rehabilitation.

He said:

The temple is now empty of monks and nearby villagers are concerned they cannot do any merit-making.

Donating food to monks is an example of a merit-making activity that is fundamental to Buddhism, since it bestows a protecting energy on the worshiper.

Thintapthai continued by saying the local monastic master had pledged to send several new monks to the temple to deal with the issues raised by the devotees.

Those in charge did not elaborate on why the temple was singled out by the authorities. Nonetheless, a nationwide effort has been made to combat drug trafficking.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that Myanmar, the world’s largest producer of methamphetamine, is sending massive quantities out of the narcotic via Thailand.

An ex-police officer who had been fired for methamphetamine possession murdered 37 persons in a nursery massacre last month, prompting Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to launch a crackdown on narcotics.