Patong –
Police apprehended a monk for drunk driving in Patong on May 15th after concerned residents reported his erratic behavior behind the wheel.
The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that they received complaints about a Buddhist monk, identified as Phra Bandit Sairat, who had allegedly been constructing a makeshift hut near 50 Pi Road and was frequently seen driving a pickup truck, which is unusual in itself for a monk. Witnesses also noted that he appeared intoxicated while operating the vehicle, prompting authorities to investigate.
Upon arrival, police stopped the vehicle and confirmed that the driver was indeed a monk. Noticing the strong odor of alcohol, they escorted Phra Bandit to Patong Police Station for further examination. A breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol level of 134 milligrams per percent, significantly exceeding the legal limit. Phra Bandit admitted to consuming herbal-infused alcohol before taking the wheel.
Following the incident, authorities took Phra Bandit to Suwan Khiri Wong Temple in Patong, where he was formally defrocked. Police then proceeded with legal action, charging him with driving under the influence.
