Monk in wig held for drink driving, with woman and gun

2026-03-27 - 05:40

SURIN — 27 March 2026, Police arrested a man who admitted he is still an ordained monk after he was caught driving drunk while wearing a wig at a checkpoint in Surin province, with a handgun and cash found in the vehicle. Officers from Mueang Surin Police Station set up a checkpoint on Sukhumvit (Krung Si Nok) Road in Nai Mueang subdistrict. A grey Chevrolet car was stopped, and the driver initially gave inconsistent information before being identified as Suphawat (surname withheld), 42. A breath test found his blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit. He was arrested on a charge of drink-driving. A female passenger, identified as “Sumanthathip” (alias), 46, appeared suspicious. A search uncovered a 9mm handgun and ammunition hidden in her shoulder bag. She was initially charged with illegal possession of a firearm and carrying a weapon in public without permission. Further inspection of the car found 123,814 baht (about 3,540 USD) in cash, along with saffron robes and monastic items used by Buddhist monks. During questioning, Suphawat admitted he remains an active monk residing at a monastic residence in Tha Tum district, Surin. The woman later told police the gun belonged to Suphawat and said she had earlier claimed responsibility out of concern over the potential legal and disciplinary consequences he might face. Both suspects were taken into custody and handed over to investigators. Police said they are coordinating with relevant authorities to verify the man’s monastic status and any violations of Buddhist disciplinary rules.