Drug-addicted monk arrested for threatening locals in land dispute

Police arrested a drug-addicted monk in the Isaan province of Kalasin yesterday, July 4, after he threatened to kill locals living near a temple over a land dispute.

A 22 year old Thai man and his father sought help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after facing death threats from a 49 year old monk from a nearby temple. The junky monk was displeased that they did not sell their plot of land to him.

The victim recounted that the monk came to his home on June 26 and attempted to hit him with a wooden stick. The man said he ran away and did not fight back but the monk continued to pursue him.

The monk reportedly returned to his temple to get a gun and threatened the victim and his father. He pointed the gun at the victim’s head but did not fire, stopping when he saw the victim recording a video.

Before leaving, the monk threatened them.

“You two cannot live here. I will bring my subordinates here.”

The victim and his father decided to relocate for their safety.

Gun and officers from Khao Wong Police Station conducted a raid on the temple yesterday, July 7. During questioning, the monk confessed to officers that he had once considered buying the plot of land, but it could not be sold due to a lack of ownership documents.

According to the monk, he had not made any contact with or disturbed the family after the unsuccessful land purchase. However, the man managed to sell the land to someone else and entered the temple on the day of the incident to record a video. The monk suspected malicious intent and escorted him off the temple grounds.

Additionally, the monk claimed that the gun he allegedly used to threaten the man was not real. Following a search of his accommodation, officers discovered two guns but did not find the fake one the monk had mentioned.

When asked about his drug use and alcohol consumption the monk denied any involvement. However, a drug test revealed methamphetamine in his system.

The monk faces two charges:

• Section 7 of the Act on Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms: possessing a gun without permission. The punishment is imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.
• Section 162 of the Narcotics Control Act: using a Category 1 drug (methamphetamine). The penalty is imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.