Buddhist Monk Passes Out Drunk In Temple; Genitals And Butt Exposed

KEY POINTS

A Buddhist monk was found unconscious in his temple with his genitals and butt exposed
The former policeman drank alcohol and got drunk Tuesday, a day before the Thai New Year
Local officials are now gathering evidence to use against the monk to have him removed from his position

A Buddhist monk in the northeastern Thai province of Nakhon Ratchasima passed out on the floor of his temple with his private parts exposed after he got drunk in celebration of Thailand's New Year this week.

Villagers found the monk, identified as 50-year-old Phra Tun, unconscious on the balcony of his room in a temple located in Mueang Pak, Pak Thong Chai Tuesday, KhaoSod reported.

The former policeman, who got discharged from his service and got ordained four years ago, had his genitals and butt exposed through his robes.

A bottle of Thai rice whisky named "40 Degree," due to its 40% alcohol content, and energy drinks were found in Tun's room, a report by The Thaiger said.

Tun allegedly drank a mixture of the liquor and the energy drinks a day before Songkran, Thailand's New Year, which was celebrated Wednesday, until he got drunk and fell asleep.

Tun had behaved similarly in the past, according to the villagers who discovered what happened to him. They reportedly brought his elderly mother to him.

The parent was able to wake Tun up, and the monk later admitted to drinking.

However, Tun allegedly claimed that drinking alcohol was not wrong and insisted that he did not cause any trouble. Tun then got in a car and drove away from the scene.

Buddhist monks are not allowed to drink alcohol or drive, according to The Thaiger.

Pan Chatkratok, the headman of Ban Phosri village, will collect evidence, including photographs, video recordings and conversations with Tun, and use them to have the monk removed from his religious position.

In a similar incident, a popular Thai monk was charged after getting caught driving under the influence of alcohol and possessing drugs last month.

Luang Pu Tuanchai, famous for his predictions and alleged visions, was driving a pickup truck when he ran a red light in Thailand's Mukdahan province on March 15.

Tuanchai, who also failed to stop when ordered by police, was chased by authorities for more than 12 miles until he got caught.

The monk had a high blood alcohol level and carried 37 methamphetamine pills in his robe, a subsequent inspection revealed.

He was charged with drunk driving and possession of illegal drugs.