The operation was carried out at 2pm yesterday (Aug 7) by Cherng Talay Police in coordination with the Phuket Provincial Office of Buddhism, Thalang District officials, public health officers and the temple committee.
The inspection followed a complaint lodged on Wednesday (Aug 6) by temple committee chairman Worapong Sae Jia, who alleged that monks and staff were using drugs.
Public health officers tested seven monks and five temple workers. The results found three monks and two workers under the influence of methamphetamine.
The three monks voluntarily disrobed and agreed to enter rehabilitation under the Narcotics Act.
The two workers ‒ named by police as 40-year-old Phisit Sae Chua of Cherng Talay and 45-year-old Jiradej Saenchan from Ratchaburi ‒ refused rehabilitation. Both were arrested and charged with illegal use of a Category 1 narcotic.
They were taken to Cherng Talay Police Station for further legal proceedings.