CHIANG MAI, Thailand – A former abbot from a well-known temple in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, is facing four serious charges after being involved in a drunk driving accident that severely injured the director of the Lamphun prison, October 31. The incident occurred on October 25 when the abbot, reportedly intoxicated, crashed his pickup truck into the vehicle of a prison official.
The former abbot visited the Hang Dong Police Station to acknowledge the charges against him. CCTV footage captured the moment he collided with the prison official’s car on the Chiang Mai-Hod Road. Witnesses reported that after the crash, the abbot’s vehicle continued honking, drawing the attention of nearby residents who attempted to assist him. However, he refused to exit the vehicle until police arrived. Authorities measured his blood alcohol level at 155 milligrams percent.
Initial investigations revealed that the abbot had been drinking and was speeding when he struck the prison official’s vehicle, leading to serious injuries, including eleven broken ribs. He has since been charged with four offenses: driving under the influence, reckless driving causing serious injury, causing damage to property, and driving without a license. The abbot confessed to all charges and stated that he did not flee the scene but spent two nights in the hospital for his injuries.
Despite resigning from all positions, including that of the abbot, he has not yet disrobed, claiming he is still awaiting further instructions from his superiors in the monkhood. The police have confirmed that they are proceeding with the case without any special treatment. The injured party, 47-year-old Phongsakorn, remains in critical condition.
Local residents have expressed their shock and concern about the abbot’s behavior, with some calling for him to disrobe. The temple is currently quiet as the temple committee investigates its assets, while preparations are underway for upcoming Buddhist ceremonies, which will require monks from other temples to officiate. (TNA)
