After a tip-off from locals nearby, Phuket City Police raided the Kajornrangsun Temple, on Ranong Rd in Phuket Town, and arrested the four monks, plus a local man.
Police said Sunti Tuantong, 32, was caught with 0.33g of ya ice; Suchai Angsanam, 32, with 1.2g of ya ice; Sangchai Suksawas, 33, with 1.8g of marijuana; and Wichia Sukharom, 43, who was caught with 24g of marijuana after he tried to walk away to evade capture.
Police also arrested local resident Anant “Eak” Hongyok, 49, who was seen acting suspiciously on his way to the temple toilet, and was found in possession of 3.4g of marijuana.
The four monks were arrested by police and then defrocked by the abbot at the temple that same day.
All five are being held in Phuket Provincial Prison, pending their day in court.