Nonthaburi: Phra Payom immediately dismissed five temple workers at Wat Suan Kaew after finding them addicted to drugs, and fully supports the authorities in their crackdown.
According to Thai News Agency, over 70 administrative officials and police officers conducted a screening of workers at Wat Suan Kaew temple in Nonthaburi province following complaints about drug use. The screening of over 560 workers revealed 5 individuals with drugs in their system, while 3 others evaded testing. Phra Payom Kalyano confirmed full cooperation from the monk and ordered the individuals to be immediately dismissed from their jobs and face legal action.
Mr. Surachai Kotbutdee, District Chief of Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province, along with Police Colonel Sirapop Anusiri, Superintendent of Bang Yai Police Station, led a team of over 70 officials from the administrative department, police, and territorial defense volunteers to conduct urine drug tests on Thai and foreign workers employed at Wat Suan Kaew, Bang Len Subdistrict, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province.
This inspection stemmed from complaints from the public that some workers might be involved in drug-related activities. Officials screened all 561 workers, consisting of 358 men and 203 women. The results showed that 5 individuals tested positive for drugs, while 3 other male workers fled the area before the screening.
Initially, Wat Suan Kaew temple issued an order immediately terminating the employment of all individuals found to have tested positive for drugs, as well as those who evaded testing, in order to maintain discipline and safety within the premises.
Phra Ratchathammanithet, or Phra Payom Kalyano, the abbot of Wat Suan Kaew, revealed that the temple is ready to cooperate with all authorities in investigating the facts to restore public confidence following complaints about drug problems within the temple grounds. He emphasized that the temple has always had strict measures in place to prevent and monitor such issues.
The Bang Yai district chief stated that this operation was part of a proactive measure to address the drug problem, in accordance with government policy and security agencies. Those found to have drugs in their system will undergo legal proceedings and related treatment. As for those who escaped, authorities are currently tracking them down to proceed with legal action.