Drug-addicted monk arrested after petrol theft and car crash chaos

A drug-addicted Thai monk joined the illustrious list of monastic figures behaving disgracefully in Thailand when he was arrested yesterday for avoiding a 1,300 petrol station bill and crashing his car into a police motorcycle and a baht bus in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham.

A petrol station manager in Kantara Wichai district reported the petrol theft to Mueang Maha Sarakham Police Station at around 5.30pm yesterday. The manager disclosed that the alleged thief was the monk, later identified as 48 year old Suthep Pata.

According to the manager, Suthep arrived at the petrol station to refuel his golden bronze Toyota pickup. He requested a full tank, costing 1,300 baht but immediately drove away without paying, prompting a petrol attendant to chase him on a motorcycle.

Police tracked Suthep down as he headed towards the city centre of Maha Sarakham province. During his escape, Suthep collided his pickup with the motorcycle of a police officer, 56 year old Surachai Kammookcho.

The crash left the officer with a fractured leg but Suthep did not stop to check on the injured officer. He continued his escape and subsequently crashed into a baht bus, causing minor injuries to six passengers.

The second crash damaged Suthep’s vehicle, forcing him to abandon it and attempt to flee on foot. A petrol station attendant and other motorists apprehended Suthep and detained him until the police arrived.

Suthep was taken to the police station and asked to leave the monkhood for further legal proceedings. Officers then underwent a drug test and found methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, in Suthep’s system. Two tablets of Yaba were found in his possession.

Suthep was taken to the police station and asked to leave the monkhood for further legal proceedings. Officers conducted a drug test and found methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, in Suthep’s system. Two Yaba tablets were also found in his possession.

Suthep initially faces charges for possessing and using Yaba. More charges related to the car accidents will be issued after police finish questioning all victims.